Police Use Pepper Spray on DWI Suspect

A Montville Township police officer used pepper spray on a 25-year-old resident who allegedly would not cooperate with an accident investigation and was charged with DWI and walking away from the scene of a Changebridge Road crash, authorities said.

The suspect, Alexander Tsay, was walking in the snow on Changebridge Road in the early morning hourning hours last Saturday when he was approached by Patrolman Louis Violante, who was investigating the accident, according to police.

Police said Tsay was told to get off his cell phone and in the police car, but wouldn't get in the car. Police said he smelled of alcohol and was slurring his speech.

After giving Tsay several opportunities to cooperate, Violante told Tsay he was going to be arrested, police said. The officer grabbed Tsay's left wrist and Tsay allegedly shoved the officer, according to police.

Police then used the pepper spray and detained Tsay, who was able to flush his eyes at the police station, police said.

Tsay was charged with DWI, DWI in a school zone, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to stay in a lane, reckless driving and obstructing justice, according to police.

The accident damaged a fence and landscaping in the area of Changebridge Road and Church Lane, authorities said.