Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Richard Edelmann (34) of Hawley, PA for eluding police and driving under the influence on August 7, 2019.
On that date, at approximately 12:16 A.M., Officer David Lagan was monitoring traffic on Route 46 West when he observed a 2010 BMW allegedly travelling at 68 MPH in a posted 50 MPH zone in violation of the speeding statute. The officer pulled onto the highway and attempted to catch up with the vehicle. It is alleged that the BMW continued to increase its speed at which time the officer activated his emergency lights to initiate a motor vehicle stop. The BMW allegedly disregarded the officers attempt to stop it and began to accelerate initiating a pursuit.
The pursuit continued west on Route 46. In the area of Plymouth Street, it is alleged that the BMW attempted to go around another vehicle and struck a curb with its front right tire. The BMW then suddenly pulled into the parking lot of #67 followed by the officer. The BMW then attempted to back up out of the lot but was blocked by the police cruiser. At this time, other Fairfield officers arrived on scene. The driver, later identified as Edelmann, was then taken into custody. A front seat passenger was found in the vehicle and was detained. She was later released from custody without charges.
During the course of the investigation, it is alleged that the officers found two bottles of open Captain Morgan rum and two small opened bottles of flavored vodka in the vehicle. In speaking with Edelmann, it is alleged that the officer detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. At this point, field sobriety testing was administered, and based upon the results of these tests and the totality of the circumstances; the officer had probable cause to believe that Edelmann was operating his vehicle while under the influence. He was then transported to headquarters for processing and for breath testing.
In addition to the eluding police and driving under the influence charges, Edelmann was also charged with nine additional motor vehicle summonses. He was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark, N.J. pending an initial appearance in the superior court.
(It should be noted that the charges against Edelmann are merely allegations and that he is presumed innocent until he either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law)
Authorized by: Chief Anthony Manna
