Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Good News for Zamboni Drivers
by Jes
You know that the guys who drive the Zamboni machines (yes, we know the NHL uses Olympia-branded machines, but so what?) look like they chug back a few before the game and during the action.
Fortunately, the law has their backs...
Judge rules ice rink groomer can't be charged with DUI at wheel of Zamboni
Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J — It's not drunken driving in New Jersey if it involves a Zamboni.
A judge ruled the four-ton ice rink-grooming machines aren't motor vehicles because they aren't useable on highways and can't carry passengers.
Zamboni operator John Peragallo had been charged with drunken driving in 2005 after a fellow employee at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown told police the machine was speeding and nearly crashed into the boards.
Police said Peragallo's blood alcohol level was 0.12 percent. A level of 0.08 is considered legally drunk in New Jersey.
Peragallo appealed, and Superior Court Judge Joseph Falcone on Monday overturned his license revocation and penalties.
"It's a vindication for my client," Peragallo attorney James Porfido said after the hearing. "It's the right decision."
Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph D'Onofrio said no decision had been made on whether to appeal.
Peragallo, 64, testified at his trial that he did drink beer and vodka, but not until after he had groomed the ice. However, he told police he had a shot of Sambuca with his breakfast coffee and two Valium-pills before work.
Sambuca with coffee? I'll have to try that some time!
(Thanks to Aurian for the story hook-up)
You know that the guys who drive the Zamboni machines (yes, we know the NHL uses Olympia-branded machines, but so what?) look like they chug back a few before the game and during the action.
Fortunately, the law has their backs...
Judge rules ice rink groomer can't be charged with DUI at wheel of Zamboni
Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J — It's not drunken driving in New Jersey if it involves a Zamboni.
A judge ruled the four-ton ice rink-grooming machines aren't motor vehicles because they aren't useable on highways and can't carry passengers.
Zamboni operator John Peragallo had been charged with drunken driving in 2005 after a fellow employee at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown told police the machine was speeding and nearly crashed into the boards.
Police said Peragallo's blood alcohol level was 0.12 percent. A level of 0.08 is considered legally drunk in New Jersey.
Peragallo appealed, and Superior Court Judge Joseph Falcone on Monday overturned his license revocation and penalties.
"It's a vindication for my client," Peragallo attorney James Porfido said after the hearing. "It's the right decision."
Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Joseph D'Onofrio said no decision had been made on whether to appeal.
Peragallo, 64, testified at his trial that he did drink beer and vodka, but not until after he had groomed the ice. However, he told police he had a shot of Sambuca with his breakfast coffee and two Valium-pills before work.
Sambuca with coffee? I'll have to try that some time!
(Thanks to Aurian for the story hook-up)
Labels: Aurian, New Jersey, off-ice silliness, zambonis
Comments:
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Jesus christ, I used to go ice skating at that arena when I was a kid. Good to know Jersey can still represent in more ways then one.
Sambuca and Valium WITH the morning coffee? I may have to give that a try. That drinks begs for a name...
Sambuca and Valium WITH the morning coffee? I may have to give that a try. That drinks begs for a name...
The guy who reported him drunk, clearly is next in line for the driver's seat. I think he should be charged with second-degree Envious Buzz-Killing. Pat him on the head, and send him home.
What you do with Sambuca, as I learned from my Greek and Italian friends: drink it neat, in a cordial glass, with a couple of whole roasted coffee beans sunk to the bottom. When you've drained the glass, you chew the beans. Neat, eh?
Optional: Chew up a couple of valiums, and go back to bed.
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What you do with Sambuca, as I learned from my Greek and Italian friends: drink it neat, in a cordial glass, with a couple of whole roasted coffee beans sunk to the bottom. When you've drained the glass, you chew the beans. Neat, eh?
Optional: Chew up a couple of valiums, and go back to bed.
# posted by 
: 8:21 pm
: 8:21 pm << Home
