By Audrey Levine
Two alleged drug dealers, one with a weapon, were arrested and charged during the first night of the police’s drunken driving crackdown.
”Over the Limit, Under Arrest” 2007 Crackdown, which will run through Jan. 2, is designed to increase enforcement with checkpoints at undisclosed locations during the allotted weeks.
The program’s goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence with highly visible stops and arrests in different areas throughout the township. Those caught at the checkpoints with elevated blood alcohol levels will be charged immediately.
New Jersey state law maintains that a person is intoxicated if he or she registers a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher.
Sgt. Darren Powell said the program is sponsored by a grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, which pays for the manpower and equipment needed for the checkpoints. This year, he said, the department received $5,000 for the program.
In the department’s first checkpoint of the program, a total of four drivers were arrested at a checkpoint on Route 206 between 10:30 p.m. Dec. 8 and 4 a.m. Dec. 9.
Harry Jackson IV, 19, of Somerville, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He was taken to Somerset County Jail on $40,000 bail.
In the car with Mr. Jackson, was Azikwa Rustin, 20, of Somerville, who was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a revolver while distributing marijuana, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon. He was taken to Somerset County Jail with bail set at $40,000.
Thomas Dinapoll, 46, of Somerset, was issued summonses for driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a breath test. Deborah Rafanello, 55, of Belle Mead was issued a summons for driving while intoxicated. Both were processed and released.
”Hopefully word gets around that we do catch these people, so they will think twice before drinking and driving,” Sgt. Powell said.
Law enforcement agencies that are participating in the program advise drivers to choose a designated driver; take mass transit or a taxi; spend the night where an activity is being held; report impaired drivers to law enforcement; and always wear a seatbelt.
Statistics have found that 18,000 people are killed by impaired drivers each year and, of the 748 motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey in 2005, 34 percent were alcohol related. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that 97 percent of Americans view drinking and driving by others as a threat to themselves or their families.
”Hopefully seeing the checkpoints is a deterrent for people who might drink and drive,” Sgt. Powell said.

