Borough Police Arrest Two for Alleged DWI

Chatham Borough Police arrested two men in two separate incidents during the week of Thanksgiving for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

On Wednesday, Nov. 23, Patrolman Daniel Walsh was off duty and driving to work on Route 24 when he observed a pick-up truck weaving across both lanes of traffic, making it difficult for vehicles to pass, police said.

According to a statement released this week, Walsh followed the truck and noticed the front right tire was flat and riding on its rim.

Walsh contacted Patrolman Daryle Kelly, who was on duty, and Walsh waited on Route 24 for the truck to pass, police said.

The truck was stopped and the driver was identified as Jason Karpisnki, 24, of New Povidence, according to police. 

Karpinski appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was arrested, transported to headquarters for processing and eventually released to a family member pending further court action, police said. 

Karpinski was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, making an unsafe lane change and operating an unsafe vehicle.

Gillette Woman Also Arrested

On Thursday, Nov. 24, at 1:54 a.m., Lt. Brian Gibbons stopped a 2005 Nissan on Fairmount Avenue after observing the vehicle go through a red light, police said.

The car was driven by Johanna Lopez, 25, of Gillette, who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, according to police. 

Lopez was arrested, brought back to headquarters for processing, and released to a friend pending further court action. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, an improper right turn on a red light and failure to keep right.