By: Richard L. Smith
A veteran Newark Police captain has been suspended without pay following his arrest on drunk driving charges in Hunterdon County over the weekend, prompting renewed scrutiny of departmental vehicle policies and off-duty conduct among city officers.
According to information obtained by RLS Media through the Open Public Request Act (OPRA) the incident occurred around 11:10 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025, when Readington Township Police Corporal David Bodine observed a vehicle swerving and obstructing traffic along U.S. Highway 202 near Pleasant Run Road.
After conducting a traffic stop, officers determined that the driver, Mr. Elvis Perez of Middletown, confirmed as (Newark Police Captain) was intoxicated.
Readington Police Chief Steven Rindock confirmed the arrest but did not state whether Captain Perez was driving a city-issued vehicle.
However, sources close to the investigation told RLS Media that the car in question was, in fact, an official Newark Police Division vehicle.
Captain Perez was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane.
Following the arrest, Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. ordered Perez’s immediate suspension without pay, effective Sunday, November 2.
Perez, a high-ranking officer within the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s General Crimes Division, now faces both administrative and criminal proceedings.
In the wake of the incident, Director Miranda issued a department-wide memorandum reminding officers of the strict limits on personal use of take-home vehicles.
The order cited General Order 12-03, which states that department vehicles are provided strictly for official business, emergency response, or city-sponsored events — not personal use.
The memorandum reaffirmed that “members shall ensure take-home vehicles are not utilized for personal use” and that privileges can be revoked at the discretion of the Public Safety Director.
While all charges against Captain Perez are considered allegations pending the outcome of court proceedings, the case has already sparked renewed discussions inside City Hall about accountability, leadership, and the expectations placed on those wearing the Newark badge.
Officials said the investigation remains active.