Fairfield (NJ) The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of David Levine (48) of Paramus, N.J. for driving under the influence, being in possession of controlled dangerous substances and with possession of drug paraphernalia on September 23, 2020.
On that date, at approximately 10:27 AM, Officer Nicholas Cocchi was on patrol in the Target store parking lot, located on Route 46 East, when he passed by a 2007 Chrysler that was parked in a remote portion of the lot. As the officer went by, he noticed that the driver, later identified as Levine, had his head slumped forward towards his lap.
At this point, given the circumstances, the officer decided to check on the driver to assure he was not having some medical condition. The vehicle was idling with its engine running. As the officer contacted Levine, it is alleged that he was staring down at his palm. The officer observed him holding several small white tablets. He also observed an open prescription container near the center console that had similar white tablets. Additionally, the officer allegedly observed several different prescription containers throughout the interior of the vehicle.
As the investigation continued, additional Fairfield officers arrived to assist. It is alleged that Levine displayed signs and symptoms that were consistent with someone who was under the influence to include pinpoint pupils, pale skin coloring, dry mouth and lips and sporadic behavior when speaking to the officers.
The officer then requested that Levine perform some standardized field sobriety testing in order to determine whether his ability to operate a motor vehicle was affected. Levine refused to do so. Therefore, based upon the totality of the circumstances, he was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Further investigation revealed the alleged recovery of approximately 1100 tablets of different medications within the vehicle. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to New Jersey law.
While at headquarters, an examination by a certified drug recognition expert from the New Jersey State Police was conducted. The results indicated that probable cause existed that Levine was under the influence. He was eventually charged with driving under the influence, two counts of being in possession of a Scheduled I, II, III or IV controlled dangerous substance, one count of being in possession of a Scheduled V controlled dangerous substance, one count of being in possession of a prescription legend drug, one count of being criminally under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and one count of drug paraphernalia. He was eventually released on his own recognizance pending an initial court appearance in the Superior Court on November 18, 2020
(It should be noted that the charges against Levine are merely allegations and that he is presumed innocent until he either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law)
Authorized by: Chief Anthony Manna
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