Hopatcong DWI Arrest of Wife and then Husband

Hopatcong – Officer Snyder saw a vehicle in front of him going over the white fog line a few times and almost striking a guide rail.  When he stopped the vehicle he found that the driver was Stacey Tallaksen age 30 of Rollins Trail Hopatcong. Stacey was coming from Castaways bar where she picked up her husband who had been drinking.  Stacey had also been drinking alcohol. She was given Field Sobriety Tests and failed.  She was arrested, taken to the police station, given the Alcotest, charged and later released to a family member.

During the Field Sobriety testing her husband (Eric Tallaksen age 30 of Rollins Trail) who was a passenger in the vehicle got out and confronted Officer Snyder. Eric was ordered to get back back in the vehicle but gave Officer Snyder a hard time.  Officer Snyder called for backup.  Officer Lotito and Sgt. O’Shea arrived.  Eric again got out of the car and went towards Officer Snyder who was arresting Stacey.  Eric was advised multiple times to get back in the car or he would be arrested.  Eric would not listen to the officers and again went towards his wife.  Sgt. O’Shea grabbed Eric to arrest him.  Eric pulled away.  He was taken to the ground by the two officers. Eric would not give the officers his hands.  While trying to handcuff Eric,  Officer Lotito tore a ligament in his finger. After being handcuffed, Eric would not get into the patrol car. When the officers did get him in, he was kicking the door and bars on the windows.  At headquarters Eric would not get out of the vehicle.  He was taken out by the officers. In the cell he was yelling at the officers.  His wife who was very cooperative even tried to calm him down.  Eric was later charged with: Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction, Resisting Arrest and Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer for the injury he caused to Officer Lotito’s finger. Eric was later released.

Editor’s Note: Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.