Police Crack Down on Drunk Driving

If you're thinking about getting behind the wheel after drinking, think again. 

Both the Scotch Plains and Fanwood police departments have increased road patrol in recent weeks as part of the "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" campaign. They join law enforcement officers across Union County in the annual effort, which runs through Labor Day.

The “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools.  The program began in 1999, and since then has been enforced each year during some of the busiest travel times, including the summer months.

Both departments are running the campaigns thanks to $6,000 grants from the Division of Highway Traffic Safety.

Scotch Plains Police Lt. Brian Donnelly told Patch that his department increased patrol starting Aug. 14.

"We've got additional patrol targeting certain areas," Donnelly said, adding that they haven't set up DWI check points as part of their campaign.

The effort seems to be working. Over the past weekend, three individuals were arrested for drinking while driving in Scotch Plains.

• On Saturday, Aug. 22, Dawn Finley, 43, of West Orange, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Finley was stopped after she struck a police car that was parked on the side of the road. The officer speaking with her noticed the smell of alcohol. Finely was transported to police headquarters, where she was processed and released.
• On Sunday, Aug. 23, Keith Bronikowski, 20, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Bronikowski was stopped for a motor vehicle violation when the officer smelled the odor of alcohol. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.
• On Monday, Aug. 24, Christian Landazabal, 25, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Landazabal was stopped for a motor vehicle violation when the officer smelled the alcohol. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.