DWI Arrest with Injury

On 12/14/14 at 2:21a.m., Newton Police responded to a report of a serious motor vehicle accident with injuries on Woodside Avenue in front of the Newton Gulf station.

Upon arrival, it was determined that a 2002 Cadillac Seville being operated by Luciano Sarmiento, age 29, of Water Street, Newton was traveling southbound on Woodside Avenue when it crossed over the double yellow line and struck a 2009 Hyundai Accent head on which was being operated by Logan Cates, age 18, of New Road, Parsippany, N.J.

As a result of the crash, Cates was partially ejected through the front windshield.  Both he and his passenger, older brother Devin Cates, age 25, also of New Road, Parsippany were airlifted to Morristown Medical Center for treatment of their injuries.  Sarmiento was transported to Newton Medical Center by the Newton First Aid Squad.  Sarmiento also had 3 passengers in his vehicle which were treated at the scene and released.

Subsequent investigation revealed that Sarmiento was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.  He was charged with the following offenses:

N.J.S. 2C:12-1c(1)  Assault by Auto While Driving Recklessly  (Disorderly Persons Offense)

N.J.S. 2C:12-1c(2)  Assault by Auto While Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (4^th Degree)

39:4-50   Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence

39:4-96   Reckless Driving

39:3-10   Unlicensed Driver

39:3-29   Failure to Exhibit a Valid Insurance Card

39:4-82   Failure to Keep Right

Notification was also made to the Immigration Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) due to Luciano Sarmiento being an undocumented immigrant who was involved in a motor vehicle while being under the influence.

Investigating Officers:

Ptl. Mahir Kaylani, Ptl. Scott Vertetis, Ptl. Shawn Burke assisted by Andover Twp. Police.

Assisting Agencies:

Newton First Aid Squad, Newton Fire Department, Fredon First Aid Squad, Atlantic Ambulance, Lakeland Ambulance, St. Clare’s Medic 504, Northstar and Med 1.

Case pending an appearance in Sussex County Superior Court on 12/31/14.

Print Friendly