Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Nicholas Brunda (30) of Oak Ridge, N.J. for driving while under the influence on December 24, 2021. On that date, at approximately 12:02 AM, Cpl. James High and Officers Paul Perrette, Vincent Purcell and Luca Catania were dispatched to the area of Hollywood Avenue and Craig Place on a report of a driver who was slumped over the wheel. The officers arrived in the area and found a 2015 black Volkswagen with an individual, later identified as Brunda, allegedly slumped over the wheel. The vehicle was running. The officers knocked on the window and Brunda awoke.
As the officers continued their investigation, it is alleged that Brunda displayed signs and symptoms consistent with an individual who was under the influence to include the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath, confusion, and being unaware of his surroundings. Field sobriety tests were administered and based upon the totality of the circumstances, Brenda was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing and breath testing. It is alleged that, while at headquarters, Brunda refused to provide samples for the purposes of chemical testing.
In addition to being charged with driving while intoxicated he was also charged with refusal to submit to a breath test and several other motor vehicle summonses. He was eventually released on his own recognizance pending an initial appearance in the Fairfield Municipal Court on January 20, 2022.
(It should be noted that the charges against Brunda 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
