The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Charles Florance, (68) of Wanaque, NJ for driving while intoxicated on February 14, 2026. On that date at approximately 8:55pm, Officer Andrew VanderWal was on Route 46 East near the Target store conducting an unrelated motor vehicle stop when he observed a silver Nissan Rogue pass his location driving west in the eastbound lanes of Route 46. Officer VanderWal immediately terminated his motor vehicle stop in order to catch up to the vehicle. He notified police headquarters and other officers of what he observed as well, to get additional assistance.
It is alleged the vehicle continued the wrong way on the highway for some distance, with officers finally getting it stopped in the median near 420 Route 46 East. Florance, the driver and only occupant of the car, allegedly exhibited signs and symptoms of someone who was under the influence, which included the smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath as well as watery eyes and dilated pupils.
Standardized field sobriety testing was performed and Florance was subsequently placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. The vehicle was impounded as per NJ law.
Florance was transported to police headquarters for processing where he provided samples of his breath for testing. It is alleged his blood alcohol content was more than twice than the legal limit.
Florance was charged with driving while intoxicated, issued several additional motor vehicle summonses and later released pending an initial court date of April 2, 2026 at the Fairfield Municipal Court.
“Officer VanderWal as well as assisting officers did an outstanding job to safely stop this vehicle before anyone got hurt. This was a busy, Valentine’s night and this outcome could have been totally different,” said Public Information Officer Stacy Chiarolanza. “Our officers are constantly working to keep our community safe and this is a prime example of them doing just that.”
(Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).