Mayor Addresses Allegations Against Off-Duty Morristown Officer In DWI Crash

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown officials have addressed the news that an off-duty police officer was charged with driving while intoxicated following a single-vehicle crash earlier this month.

Mayor Tim Dougherty addressed the recent car crash involving Laura V. Starnes, 22, of Glen Gardner, a member of the Morristown Police Bureau.

"This is a serious and deeply troubling incident. I want to assure the public that the Town of Morristown acted immediately and appropriately at every step. All actions taken were with transparency and the law in mind," Dougherty wrote.

According to officials, Starnes was driving on Morris Street near Olyphant Place when she crashed around 11 p.m. on May 6, causing her vehicle to roll over. When first responders arrived, she was rushed to Morristown Medical Center, where she consented to a blood draw for toxicology screening.

That testing is still pending, Dougherty added.

However, based on observations at the scene, Starnes was determined to be impaired, and the following day, she was issued summonses for operating under the influence of alcohol and careless driving.

The Morristown Police Bureau has directed all inquiries regarding the case to the prosecutor's office, which is overseeing the ongoing investigation.

"We understand that incidents like this can impact public trust, and we take that responsibility seriously," Dougherty said. "I want to assure Morristown residents that this matter is being handled in a fair and transparent fashion. We will continue to keep the public informed as appropriate, and we will not be distracted by rumor or speculation."

No additional information has been made public beyond the confirmation of the charges, as the matter remains under investigation by the prosecutor's office.