Police: State snowplow driver had blood alcohol level nine times the legal limit

PEQUANNOCK — A state Department of Transportation employee was charged with operating a snow plow with a blood alcohol content level nine times above the legal .04 limit allowed by a commercial driver. He has three previous DWI arrests.

Roger Attieh, 36, of Boonton, crashed the plow into a vehicle while plowing on Boulevard and Route 23 on Monday, 5:43 p.m., said Pequannock's police Capt. Chris DePuyt. He exited to survey the damage, then returned to his truck and struck a second vehicle as he attempted to drive away, DePuyt added.

Officer Sean Higgins arrived on the scene of the accident and found the DOT truck had sideswiped a vehicle, DePuyt said. The truck operated by Attieh was also carrying road salt to spread on newly snow-covered roadways.

While speaking with Attieh, officers observed several behaviors and signs consistent with alcohol impairment, DePuyt said, including the odor of alcoholic beverages and poor balance. He also did not perform well on several field sobriety tests, DePuyt said.

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Attieh was administered a BAC test, which showed results 9 times that of the legal limit, according to the police report.

Attieh was arrested and taken to police headquarters where he was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while intoxicated in a commercial motor vehicle and reckless driving. He was released to a third party pending a court appearance.

There were no injuries in either accident.

“NJDOT takes these issues very seriously and the department is fully cooperating with local law enforcement’s investigation,” NJDOT Communications Director Steve Schapiro said. “Mr. Attieh is an NJDOT employee and the Department has begun its investigation required for disciplinary action.”

This is the fourth time Attieh has been charged with driving while intoxicated. The most recent prior to Monday was on Dec. 14 in Denville, according to documents. The Denville charges are still pending.

Attieh was also charged with driving while intoxicated in Morris Plains in 2007 and Aberdeen in 2002.

Asked about background checks, checks of driving records, Schapiro declined to comment further, saying the department does not comment on pending personnel or legal matters.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com