Police: Man Charged with DUI, Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday while on patrol, officer Michael Polifrone was flagged down by a motorist on Taylor Drive, according to Capt. James Clarke of the Wayne Police Department. Clarke said the motorist told Polifrone that he was just rear ended by a vehicle that then backed down the street, left the scene, and was parked on Taylor Drive at Rohrback Memorial Way.

Police said Polifrone approached the vehicle, a 1994 Chevrolet S10. Authorities said that when questioned about being involved in a collision, the driver stated he had not been involved in a collision and was on his way to the post office.

Clarke said that while he was speaking to the driver, who police identified as Alexander Gichen, 54, of Lincoln Park, Polifrone suspected he was intoxicated. Police said Gichen was instructed to exit his vehicle and perform field sobriety tests, which he could not adequately perform. Clarke said that tas a result, Gichen was placed under arrest and transported to Wayne Police Headquarters for an Alcotest and processing. Police said Gichen refused to take the Alcotest and was charged with the refusal, driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police said Gichen was released on summonses, with a future court date, to a third party.