Police Officers Are Not Above The Law When It Comes To DWIs

Lt. Edward Zadroga of the Millville Police Department was arrested and charged with DWI on Sunday evening after he was involved in an off-duty car accident. While he was pulling out of the driveway of Sidelines sports bar he ran into another car. The accident, in which there were no injuries, happened shortly after 10:00 p.m. and Zadroga was eventually arrested and charged by members of his own department with DWI and reckless driving. A conviction for first-offense DWI carries a mandatory loss of driver’s license from 90 days to one year depending upon his blood alcohol level. There is also a mandatory alcohol class, potential ignition interlock requirement and court fines and penalties.

Zadroga was recently appointed as the officer in charge after Chief Thomas Haas’ retirement on April 1, 2015. Millville Mayor Michael Santiago is standing by his lieutenant and indicated for now Zadroga’s job is secure as “we’re all human. We make mistakes.” The mayor says, for now, Zadroga’s job is secure.

Residents of the community have mixed opinions regarding the incident. Last October two other Millville officers were charged with DWI. Some have indicated that he should be held to a higher standard because of his position while others believe he should be disciplined like anybody else in this situation.