A Hudson County Improvement Authority worker was charged driving while intoxicated in Hoboken after authorities found him in an intoxicated state while sitting inside a parked vehicle registered with the agency, police said.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Jason Dunn, 41, of Woodland Park, was charged with driving while intoxicated, DWI within 1,000 feet of a school zone and reckless driving, according to Police Det. Lt. Edgardo Cruz.
Yesterday around 2:21 p.m., Officer Christopher Hatfield, along with an ambulance was dispatched to the area of 12th Street and Willow Avenue on a report of someone unconscious inside a motor vehicle, authorities said.
Hatfield was able to observe a male sitting inside a parked 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee which was registered to the Hudson County Improvement Authority, officials said.
The driver was alert but unresponsive to questions and Hatfield, along with an EMS worker, had to assist the driver out of the vehicle, police said.
Inside the vehicle, Officer Joseph Dimartino was able to observe, in plain view, empty wax folds commonly used as packaging for heroin. Due to his condition, the defendant was transported to the Hoboken University Medical Center for treatment, authorities said.
He was later transported to police headquarters where a breath sample was also collected. The defendant’s blood alcohol content was above the legal limit of .08 percent, officials said.
Police added that he was processed and given motor vehicle summonses for charges and later released to a responsible party.
According to public records, Dunn has worked for the HCIA since July 1st, 2009 and earned a salary of $60,184 last year.
HCIA spokesman Tom Tauchert told HCV that Dunn has been suspended without pay in light of his arrest and an internal investigation is also underway.
“The Hudson County Improvement Authority suspended Jason Dunn without pay immediately upon being informed of his arrest by the Hoboken Police Department,” he said.
“An internal investigation is being conducted to determine the necessary next steps, and additional action may be taken pending the results of that investigation. The HCIA expects all of its employees to hold themselves to a high standard of conduct and we will not tolerate any violations of employee policy.â€
Editor’s Note: The story has been updated with remarks from an HCIA spokesman.
