Pompton Plains Man Arrested for DUI on Route 46

Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Eric Steinhilber, (57), of Pompton Plains, NJ for driving while intoxicated on February 28, 2026. On that date at approximately 3:01 pm, the Fairfield Police received a call about a vehicle that was driving erratically on Route 46 West, nearly striking a vehicle.

Officer Matthew Iatesta located the vehicle and was able to conduct a traffic stop a short time later in the parking lot of the Sunset Motel in Pine Brook, NJ. Steinhilber was found to be the driver and only occupant of the vehicle. It is alleged that during the traffic stop, Officer Iatesta observed Steinhilber to be exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with someone who is under the influence, including the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and slow movements.

Additional officers arrived on scene to assist. Standardized field sobriety testing was conducted and Steinhilber was subsequently placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed several full and empty “airplane” type bottles of alcohol in the vehicle. Steinhilber was transported to police headquarters for processing and it is alleged that his breath test results were more than double the legal limit.

Steinhilber was charged with driving while intoxicated, careless driving, unsafe lane change, failure to inspect, unlicensed driver, driving while suspended, and having open

containers of alcohol in the vehicle. He was later released pending an initial appearance at the Fairfield Municipal Court on April 30, 2026.

 (Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).

Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)