Newark Police cracking down on DUIs; 11 arrests made this month

An ongoing crackdown on drunken driving has resulted in 11 arrests in Newark this month, including four people who already have multiple DUI convictions.

The initiative, part of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety's “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, will continue during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, when extra officers will be on patrol.

“During this holiday period, there is typically an increase in drunk-driving deaths nationwide,” said Lt. Andrew Rubin, a spokesman for the Newark Police Department.

“DUI is a 100% preventable offense,” Rubin added. “Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home. Use a rideshare service or call a friend.”

In Delaware, a DUI rises to a felony when the driver already has two or more prior convictions for DUI. A felony DUI can be punishable by anywhere from 90 days to 15 years incarceration, plus driver’s license revocation and other penalties.

The Newark Police Department has made four felony DUI arrests this month, Rubin said.

On Aug.1, Joseph Ciabattoni, 42, of Wilmington, was stopped for traffic violations and charged with his third DUI and other traffic offenses. He was jailed after failing to post $2,005 secured bail.

On Aug. 8, Ronald Brown, 62, of Newark, was stopped for traffic violations and charged with his seventh DUI and other traffic offenses. He was jailed after failing to post $20,003 cash bail.

On Aug.22, Daniel Krajewski, 49, of Hockessin, was stopped for traffic violations and charged with his fourth DUI, disregarding a police officer’s signal and other traffic offenses. He was jailed after failing to post $7,000 secured bail.

On Aug. 24, 2024, George Plymyer III, 45, of Wilmington, was stopped for traffic violations and charged with his third DUI and other traffic offenses. He was released after posting $2,000 secured bail.