N.J. cop arrested for DWI after DWI class

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MIDLAND PARK, N.J., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- A Midland Park, N.J., police officer was arrested for drunken driving after consuming alcohol during a state police class on DWI arrests, authorities say.

During the Thursday class taught by the New Jersey State Police, Midland Park police officer Joseph B. Gaeta was given measured amounts of alcohol to test its effect on his physical abilities, the Midland Park Suburban News reported

After the class, Gaeta was driven home by another officer, Wyckoff police Chief Benjamin Fox said.

Once home, Gaeta, 31, got on his four-wheel all-terrain vehicle and began driving on a residential street, which authorities said is illegal.

Gaeta was attempting to make a turn when he lost control of the ATV and flipped it.

Fox said Gaeta sustained serious facial injures for which he was hospitalized. He had surgery Saturday.

Gaeta, who had a blood-alcohol level of 0.13 percent, was charged with driving while intoxicated and given several other citations related to the illegal operation of an all-terrain vehicle.

"I've honestly never run across a situation like this in 43 years," said Midland Park police Chief John Casson. "I'm not sure at what point his status [with the department] could change."