Man Stopped On Roadside Charged With Drunk Driving In Manalapan

MANALAPAN, NJ — A motorist stopped in his car on the shoulder of Route 9 South Saturday morning has been charged with driving while intoxicated - and with aggravated assault of a police officer, police said.

At about 2 a.m. Saturday, two Manalapan police officers conducted a welfare check on the driver of the car, resulting in the charges, police said. He is also charged with child endangerment, police said. There was a child in the car, Deputy Chief Leonard Maltese confirmed.

Patrolman James Guarino and Patrol Officer Valerie Vacchiano checked on the car on the side of the road, but after the check, the driver, Cesar F. Tigreguartazaca, 34, of Corona, Queens, NY, was charged with driving while intoxicated. Tigreguartazaca is married and a plumber, police said.

Tigreguartazaca was placed under arrest charged with driving while intoxicated, endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated assault on a police officer, police said.

Maltese said Tuesday the assault was on one of the officers but there were no injuries.

Tigreguartazaca was taken to Manalapan Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after being issued summonses, police said. His release was "based on the totality of the circumstances," Maltese said Tuesday.

Patrol Officer Vacchiano was the arresting officer.