On-duty NJ state trooper charged with DWI after crashing police cruiser

A New Jersey state trooper was charged with drunk driving after rear-ending an Audi at a Garden State Parkway service area, State Police said.

Sfc. Michael Roadside, who has been with the State Police for 28 years, was suspended without pay after the incident on Monday afternoon at the Monmouth Service Area in Wall Township, State Police said. He was charged with DWI, careless driving, and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle according to State Police, who responded to the accident scene.

Sfc. Gregory Williams told New Jersey 101.5 Roadside was on duty, and still in uniform when the crash occurred. He was immediately relieved of his duty weapon and taken into custody, State Police said. 

Roadside had been working a construction detail before the incident.

Sgt. Jeffrey Flynn said he could not address whether a blood alcohol test was conducted or what any results of one would have been. He also did not say whether Roadside has any prior arrests.

State Police said the incident is pending court and a parallel internal investigation is underway.

According to public records, Roadside had a salary of $105,743 last year. According to his LinkedIn profile, he as been with the State Police State House Security Operations and Policing Unit since 2013.