6-year-old Found in Truck With Alleged Drunk Dad in NJ

Restaurant staff took quick action after noticing concerning behavior
Police responded and made an arrest in the parking lot
A child was safely turned over to family

Restaurant Staff Help Prevent Potential Tragedy in Gloucester County

Police in South Jersey are crediting the swift action of workers at a popular Gloucester County restaurant with preventing what could have been a tragedy involving an alleged drunk father and his 6-year-old daughter.

Incident Unfolds at Nifty Fifty's

The Washington Township Police Department says this past Friday evening, employees at Nifty Fifty’s saw a male customer with a small child exhibiting signs of intoxication.

Staff members reported the individual to police after detecting the odor of alcohol and noting slurred speech while he was inside the restaurant.

Officers arrived and found the man sitting inside of a Chevrolet pickup truck in the parking lot. Also inside was the man's 6-year-old daughter.

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Blood Alcohol Level Allegedly Nearly 3× the Legal Limit

According to authorities,

The adult failed field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest. His blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at 0.22% - almost 3x the legal limit in NJ. An open alcoholic beverage and a six pack of beer was also discovered inside the vehicle.

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Charges Filed, Child Safe

The unidentified man was charged with DWI, reckless driving, careless driving, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was processed and released pending court proceedings.

The child was turned over to a responsible family member and the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency was notified and responded to police headquarters.

READ MORE: Cops Arrest Driver in Stolen SUV Thanks to Red Light: Washington Twp., NJ, Police

The department said on Facebook,

We are incredibly grateful to the Nifty Fifty’s staff for their attentiveness and willingness to act. Their decision to get involved likely prevented a serious tragedy.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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