Cops: Alleged drunk driver in Dover had loaded gun

DOVER - Police who were investigating a suspected drunken driving crash late Saturday discovered the driver was carrying a loaded .38-caliber handgun by his ankle, according to town Public Safety Director Dominick Saldida.

A man identified as Nelson A. Collado Nunez, 25, of Bowlby Street, Dover, was charged with driving while intoxicated and other motor vehicle offenses, unlawful possession of a weapon and illegal transportation of handguns.  He was lodged early Sunday in the Morris County jail and then released after posting $5,000 bail, according to jail records.

Around 10:55 p.m. Saturday, town officers were dispatched to an accident at East Fairview Avenue and the corner of North Sussex Street.  While investigating, officers observed that the driver appeared to be intoxicated. Field sobriety tests and a chemical breath test confirmed intoxication, with a blood-alcohol content reading of 0.10 percent, or above the 0.08 level at which a motorist is deemed intoxicated in New Jersey, according to a release from Saldida.

Officers noticed that Collado Nunez, while performing field sobriety tests, appeared to favor his left leg.  They also noticed "an unusual bulge protruding from his ankle area," the release said.  Police checked and discovered he possessed a .38-caliber, fully loaded handgun.

During an interview at headquarters, Collado Nunez allegedly gave a voluntary statement and divulged that he had another illegal weapon at home. He gave written consent for a search, during which a Walther .25-caliber handgun was recovered, Saldida said, adding that the investigation is continuing.