Heading the Wrong Way on a One-Way Street Leads to a DUI

The following information was supplied by the Monroe Police Department. No arrested person is guilty until so judged in a court of law.

A Newtown man was arrested for drunken driving when his 2000 Ford F350 was stopped on Route 59 at around 11:26 p.m. on Saturday.

Police said Brian Rogalin, 40, of Merlins Lane was charged with DUI and driving the wrong way on a one way street. He was also issued an infraction for possession of less-than-half-an-ounce of marijuana. Rogalin was released on $500 bond for a Dec. 18 court date.

Police said officers saw Rogalin's pickup truck driving the wrong way on Hattertown Road in the direction of Route 59 and stopped his vehicle almost immediately.

When an officer approached the truck, police said Rogalin was mumbling incoherently, had bloodshot and glassy eyes and the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on him. When asked how much he drank, police said Rogalin said he drank "some, not a lot."

When asked where he was headed? Police said Rogalin said he was going home, though the officer said he was going the opposite way.

A search of Rogalin's truck uncovered a black case on the front passenger seat containing three Ziplock bags with a green leaf-like substance that tested positive for marijuana, according to the report.

Field sobriety tests at the scene led to Rogalin's arrest and police said breath tests at headquarters showed a blood alcohol level over the legal limit.