LOPATCONG TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A 43-year-old Pennsylvania man faces multiple charges after police said he drove past traffic-control measures at a roadwork closure in Lopatcong Township early Tuesday morning.
Manuel E. Breve of Easton was stopped around 12:27 a.m. Aug. 25 near Route 57 and Route 519, where officers were directing traffic around ongoing road construction.
According to police, an officer saw a vehicle go around several traffic cones and road-closure signs before also passing a marked police vehicle. The maneuver appeared to be an attempt to avoid the designated detour, police said.
Officers stopped Breve and conducted a roadside investigation after suspecting that he had been driving under the influence.
Breve was taken to Lopatcong Township Police Headquarters for further testing. Police said a breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.13%.
In addition to the DWI charge, Breve was charged with driving while suspended, possession of an open container, disregarding an officer’s signal, driving through a safety zone, careless driving, reckless driving and failure to maintain lanes.
The charges stem from the traffic incident at the roadwork area and remain allegations. A criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.
Breve was released to a family member and is expected to appear in Lopatcong Municipal Court at a later date.
