Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Protim Choudhury (32) of Pine Brook, N.J., and Barry Paden (63) of Brookfield, CT. on May 22, 2021, and Jennifer Stafford (57) of Verona, N.J. on May 23, 2021, all charged with driving while under the influence in separate incidents this past weekend.
In the first incident, which occurred at approximately 12:07 AM on May 22, 2021, PO Jayson Sickles was monitoring traffic on Route 46 West when he allegedly observed a 2017 Subaru wagon travelling west at a high rate of speed. While travelling behind the Subaru, it is alleged that the vehicle had difficulty maintaining its lane. The vehicle was then stopped, and the driver was identified as Choudhury.
While speaking with the driver, it is alleged that he displayed signs and symptoms consistent with being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to include watery eyes, slow and slurred speech, and a difficulty in recalling his activities earlier in the evening. Field sobriety tests were administered and based upon the totality of the circumstances; Choudhury was arrested. While at headquarters a breath test was administered. Choudhury was ultimately charged with driving under the influence and failing to maintain a lane.
The second incident occurred at approximately 2:52 AM on May 22, 2021. At that time, PO Vincent Purcell was monitoring traffic on Two Bridges Road when he allegedly observed a 2020 silver Honda turn onto Two Bridges Road from Lane Road and immediately enter into the left lane and accelerate rapidly. The officer began to follow this vehicle as it travelled onto Route 46 West. It is further alleged that the vehicle travelled at a rate of 72 MPH in a 50 MPH zone, failed to maintain a lane, and braked abruptly and did not signal as it exited at Hollywood Avenue. The vehicle was then stopped and found to be operated by Paden.
During the course of the roadside investigation, it is alleged that Paden displayed signs and symptoms of someone under the influence of an alcoholic beverage to include bloodshot and watery eyes, slow speech and hand movements and the odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath.
At this point, field sobriety tests were given, and Paden was eventually arrested and brought to police headquarters where breath testing was conducted. He was charged with driving under the influence, failure to maintain a lane and careless driving.
The final incident occurred on May 23, 2021 at approximately 1:33 AM. At that time, PO Jayson Sickles observed a 2021 Honda Civic pull into the parking lot of the Churchill School located on Fairfield Road. Due to the late hour, the officer decided to check on the vehicle. At this point. PO Sean Wilk arrived on scene to assist. It is alleged that the vehicle also had three flat tires.
The officers then spoke to the lone driver, identified as Jennifer Stafford, and requested that she exit the vehicle. It is alleged that when she did, she struggled in trying to get out of the vehicle. She then had difficulty maintaining her balance and had to repeatedly use the car for support. In speaking with her, it is alleged that her speech was incoherent. At this point field sobriety tests were administered. Based upon the totality of the circumstances, she was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where it is alleged that she refused to provide required breath samples. She was charged with driving under the influence, refusal to submit to breath testing and careless driving.
In each case, the vehicles were impounded pursuant to New Jersey law. All individuals were released on their own recognizance pending an initial appearance for each in the Fairfield Municipal Court on June 3, 2021.
“As the summer is now upon us and that many COVID-19 protocols are being relaxed, it is a good time to remind everyone that they need to consume alcoholic beverages responsibly and to not ever get behind the wheel of a vehicle when they even think they are under the influence” said Chief Anthony G. Manna.
(It should be noted that the charges against all defendants are merely allegations and that all are presumed innocent until they either plead guilty or are found guilty in a court of law)
Authorized by: Chief Anthony Manna
