On Friday, March 16th at 4:24 p.m., Patrolman Harold Breuninger stopped a gold-colored Oldsmobile sedan being operated in an erratic manner after observing several traffic violations on Locust Street and Butler Avenue. The vehicle was seen speeding on both roadways and was then observed driving over the curbing at the intersection of West Clay Avenue at Faitoute Avenue.
Patrolman Breuninger approached the driver and ordered him to shut off his vehicle but the driver ignored his commands and continued northbound on Faitoute Avenue. Patrolman Breuninger was able to use his vehicle to block the path of the Oldsmobile at West Colfax Avenue. The driver again refused commands to stop, quickly accelerated in reverse and tried to flee from Patrolman Breuninger. Other officers arrived on scene and were finally able to convince the driver of the Oldsmobile to stop his car.
The driver, John. A. Bongiovanni, age 52 of Kenilworth, NJ, was found to be in possession of a switchblade knife. He was also found to be exhibiting signs that he was under the influence of alcohol. Bongiovanni failed the roadside sobriety tests and was then placed under arrest for DWI and possessing a prohibited weapon. He was then transported to Roselle Park Police Department where we was processed then released with a pending appearance in Union County Superior Court.
During the weekend, officers from the Roselle Park Police Department made five (5) DWI arrests including three early Sunday morning between 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.