Butler Police: Man Drove Wrong Way on Jug Handle

arrested a Vernon man Saturday after police said he allegedly drove the wrong way on a jug handle and was driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police said John T. Vandalinda, 31, of Vernon,was operating a gray Jeep at around 10:23 p.m. at the intersection of Route 23 and Boonton Avenue when Sgt. Keith Soules saw him negotiate a turn onto Route 23 South and allegedly nearly collide into a vehicle traveling on the road.

Police also said that as Vandalinda’s vehicle continued on Route 23, the vehicle allegedly suddenly maneuvered into the right lane and began traveling the wrong way on the jug handle at Morse Avenue.

Upon pulling the vehicle over, police said they were met with Vandalinda, who, police said, had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath as he spoke. Police also said Vandalinda failed several field sobriety tests before being taken to the police station.

According to police, Vandalinda’s blood alcohol content was .13 percent concentrated.

Vandalinda was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failing to possess insurance, failing to exhibit vehicle registration, failing to use directional, failing to exhibit driver’s license, improper turn, driving the wrong way on a one way street, improper traffic flow of marked lanes, operating a motor vehicle with an obstructed view and failing to make proper notification of change in address.

Vandalinda was released to a family member with a ticket to appear in court at a later date. Police said Ptl. Jorge Reyes, Ptl. Dimitri Clarke and Riverdale Ptl. Eric Hollenstein assisted with the arrest.

In other arrests, a man was arrested in Butler Friday, after Butler police said he allegedly appeared to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs.

According to police, Michael Markopolis, 32, was operating a gray Ford Escort at around 5 p.m. when he allegedly failed to maintain his lane and was pulled over by Ptl. Jarred Schmiedhauser. Police said that upon further investigation, Schmiedhauser allegedly observed several attributes of Markopolis’ demeanor that are commonly associated with drug use.

Police said Markopolis was asked to perform a series of field sobriety tests, which police said he was unable to perform well. Markopolis was arrested and transported to the Butler police station. Police also requested the assistance of Morris County Park Police Officer Christopher Boyko to administer a Drug Recognition Evaluation.

Police said Markopolis was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failing to maintain a lane, failing to stop and operating a motor vehicle with defective brakes. Police said he was released to a friend’s custody with a ticket to appear in court at a later date. Police said Sgt. Scott Ricker, Sgt. Keith Soules and Ptl. Michael Zena assisted with the arrest.

Butler police disclaimer: A charge is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.