Sleeping Driver Parked in Roadway, Fled Cops After Traffic Stop: Police

A Passaic County man who fell asleep behind the wheel of his car illegally parked on the roadway fled from Parsippany police before he was apprehended in Essex County, authorities said.

Parsippany police were on routine patrol around 1:43 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 when they observed a sedan stopped just beyond the driveway apron of 3159 Route 46 with its turn signal on and not parked in a designated spot, Officer Brian Conover said.

When police approached the vehicle they found Jason Demelo, 39, slumped to the right inside the vehicle with the stereo playing loudly, Conover said. It took several attempts for officers to wake up Demelo, who was told to turn off the car and the stereo, Conover said. Demelo turned off the vehicle but kept the stereo on, Conover said.

While police were standing outside the vehicle Demelo then fled down Route 46 East, Conover said.

Officers began pursuing Demelo but ended shortly, Conover said. Surrounding towns were advised of the pursuit and the vehicle involved and began to track Demelo, Conover said. The driver was later stopped in Essex County and arrested.

Demelo was charged with eluding an officer, speeding, failure to observe traffic lanes, failure to maintain lane, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to give proper signal for a turn or other movement, failure to yield at an intersection, failure to comply with officer’s directions, improper passing, failure to observe a traffic control device, unlicensed driver, failure to exhibit license, registration and insurance, and improper headlights.

Demelo was lodged in Essex County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail with no 10-percent option and also had an outstanding warrant from Clifton Municipal Court for theft with a bail of $3,500.