BYRAM TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – Police in Byram Township said a girl helped them catch an accused drunk driver, who turned out to be her own mom.
On April 7, at 10:13 p.m., police were dispatched to the area of Forest Lake Drive for a report of a juvenile concerned that her mother was driving intoxicated, police said.
Upon arrival, officers observed the accused, who was later identified as Elena Bruck of New York City, NY, driving east on Forest Lake Drive with the rear door open, police said.
Dispatch advised officers that the juveniles had exited the vehicle and were left on the roadside, police said.
Officers activated emergency lights to attempt to affect a motor vehicle stop, Bruck failed to immediately stop. After approximately .04 miles, she pulled over and stopped her vehicle, police said.
A motor vehicle stop was initiated and while speaking to Bruck the officer felt she may be intoxicated. She was then asked to perform several standardized field sobriety tests, which she failed, police said.
Bruck was arrested and transported to the Byram Township Police Station where she consented to and failed two breath tests.
Bruck was charged with third-degree eluding, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, DWI by parent with minor in a motor vehicle, driving while intoxicated, careless driving, and reckless driving. She was then released to a family member pending a court appearance.
