Top cop to keep duties after drunken driving charge

MILLVILLE - A top-ranking city police officer arrested on a drunken driving charge Sunday will continue leading the department, Mayor Mike Santiago told The Daily Journal on Monday evening.

Lt. Ed Zadroga was arrested shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday near Sharp and Main streets following a minor motor vehicle crash, according to police.

The Daily Journal first reported the arrest Monday morning. Police released an arrest report and short news release on the incident shortly thereafter.

Zadroga earlier this month was tapped to temporarily lead the department following the resignation of Chief Thomas Haas.

Authorities were called to the area about 10:11 p.m., according to the news release. There were no injuries in the crash, police said.

Lt. Jody Farabella said it appeared Zadroga "side-swiped" the other vehicle involved in the minor collision.

Officer Ralph Satero made the arrest after Zadroga failed a field sobriety test, according to the arrest report. Sgt. Brian Starcher was listed as the complainant on the report.

Zadroga, 47, was issued a summons and given a court date. The incident was also reported to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, according to Farabella.

Zadroga did not return a voicemail Monday seeking comment.

Mayor Michael Santiago recently appointed Zadroga as "officer in charge" of the department following the Haas' retirement at the end of March.

Santiago, a former city officer of 27 years, heads the city's public safety department.

Santiago said as the department's senior lieutenant Zadroga will continue as "officer in charge."

The mayor said he learned of the incident late Sunday night when he received a call from the police department.

When asked if Zadroga would face any reprimand for his arrest, Santiago said that it was "a personnel issue" and that "he's going to come back to work eventually."

Santiago declined to say whether Zadroga worked Monday or when he'll next work.

The Daily Journal on Monday afternoon requested through the state's Open Public Records Act salary and other employment information for Zadroga but the city failed to provide that information before the close of business.

The mayor said it still hasn't been determined when or how a new police chief will be selected. It's also undecided if internal or external candidates would be considered.

Zadroga allegedly had prior issues with the chief that were detailed in a lawsuit filed by another Millville officer last year.

Detective Jeremy Miller filed the Feb. 2014 lawsuit, in which Zadroga was a defendant, claiming the lieutenant conspired to overthrow the chief from his post along with other officers. Miller also accused other officers of purposely closing cases without attempting to solve them.

In December, the city agreed to pay Zadroga a $100,000 settlement in a lawsuit he filed against the city in Jan. 2013, claiming he was a victim of retaliation following an alleged ticket-fixing scheme in Nov. 2011.

Zadroga isn't the first Millville officer to be charged recently with drunken driving.

In September, officers Michael McLaughlin Jr. and Charles Twigg were cited for drunken driving after the classic Corvette they were driving left the roadway and slammed into St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on Carmel Road.

Police said the vehicle belonged to Twigg, but he allowed McLaughlin to drive it that night. Both were under the influence of alcohol, authorities said.

McLaughlin had a blood-alcohol level of .092 percent, then police Chief Thomas Haas said.

Twigg's blood-alcohol level was not measured because he was a passenger, police said.

Both men were cited for driving under the influence and not wearing a seat belt. McLaughlin and Twigg have since returned to work on the force.

Zadroga's incident on Sunday remains under investigation by the police department's internal affairs unit.

Chris Torres; (856) 563-5264; ctorres@thedailyjournal.com