Aspiring Cop Arrested for DWI After Crashing Into a Fire Hydrant

On November 5, 2022 around 11:03 PM, Officers Patrick Watkins and Michael Hyle with the Lacey Township Police Department were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle accident involving a 2011 Toyota Camry that had struck a fire hydrant on East Lacey Road. Officer Watkins arrived on scene first and made contact with the driver, who was identified as 19-year-old Jake.

He noticed that the vehicle had sustained significant damages on the front passenger side, and he asked Jake to explain what happened. Jake initially responded that he ran “into a fire” before clarifying that he had struck a fire hydrant. As Officer Watkins was speaking with Jake, he detected the odor of alcohol and noticed indicators of impairment. Based on his suspicion of impairment, he asked Jake to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety exercises.

Officer Watkins started with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. During the HGN test, Patrolman Julian observed the lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. He also observed vertical gaze nystagmus in both eyes. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn test. Jake could not stay in the starting position as the officer was giving him instructions, and he ultimately was unable to complete this test. The final exercise was the One Leg Stand test, and he failed to raise her foot in the proper fashion while putting his foot down multiple times.

Based on the motor vehicle accident, the odor of alcohol, and his inability to perform the field sobriety exercises in a satisfactory manner, Jake was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. His vehicle was impounded for a mandatory 12-hour hold under John’s Law, and the Lacey Township MUA later responded to repair the damaged fire hydrant.

He was transported to the Lacey Township Police Department for further processing. At the Lacey Township Police Department, Officer Watkins read him the Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators, and he agreed to submit breath samples. His Alcotest results indicated a BAC of 0.22%, which nearly triple the legal limit of 0.08% and 11 times the legal limit of 0.02% for drivers under the age of 21.

After he was processed, he was released to a sober adult pending his court appearance after he signed the Potential Liability Warning form on her behalf. Officer Watkins issued Jake the following summonses: Operating under the influence, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, failure to wear seatbelt, and open/unsealed containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Court records indicate that on March 28, 2023, Jake pleaded guilty to operating under the influence. As a result of his guilty plea, his license was revoked for 4 months and he was required to use an ignition interlock device for 9 months, while spending 12 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center. The fines totaled $690. The other 4 citations were dismissed as part of her plea agreement.

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