Driver Nearly Hit Maplewood Cop Car, Charged With DWI: Authorities

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood police charged an Essex County man with driving while intoxicated after he nearly hit a police patrol car last week, authorities say.

According to the Maplewood Police Department, officers saw a car traveling westbound and drifting in its lane on Springfield Avenue on Sept. 8. The car nearly collided with the police vehicle and continued to drift out of its lane.

Officers stopped the car on the 1600-block of Springfield Avenue and spoke with the driver, who showed signs of impairment, police alleged.

After additional investigation at the scene, officers arrested the driver, Osmar Azcona-Garcia, 50, of Irvington. While searching him, police found a set of “metal knuckles” in his front pocket, authorities said.

Police said Azcona-Garcia was charged with 39:4-50 and 2C:39-5D, and was also issued summonses for 39:4-50, 39:4-88, 39:4-51B, and 39:3-29.

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