Quarter passed three in the morning on June 14, 2017, Park Ridge Fire Department responded to a car crash caught in flames.
The 2016 Mercedes Benz was driven by Ramsey Police Sergeant Vasili Pieratos, a tour commander with Ramsey Police. He was with another police officer at the time of the crash, both managed to escape the burning vehicle.
Pieratos’ Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was allegedly at .19%, while the legal limit is under .08%. Given his inebriated state, when turning a corner on Kinderkamack Road by Highland Street, be car went over the curb, swiping a tree before rolling over onto the grass and catching fire.
Along with the DUI charge, Pieratos also received a charge of reckless driving and a violation for unsafe lane change.
According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, a DUI charge where the driver had a BAC of more that .10%, could lead to:
● License suspension between 7 months and 1 year.
● $1000 per year for 3 years surcharge.
● $705-$905 in fines to drunk driving prevention, education, and rehabilitation organizations and motor vehicles.
● Up to 30 days in prison.
● 12-48 hours at the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center.
Tags: Bergen County, DUI, Police
Photo: Courtesy of Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department Facebook Page
All persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
