BELFAST— A Stockton Springs man was arrested Feb. 19 after Belfast Police observed him traveling at approximately 80 mph on Church Street.

Nicolas J. Gaetz, 22, was spotted by Officer Lewis Dyer as he drove passed Waterfall Arts, according to Sergeant Daniel Fitzpatrick.

Dyer pulled behind the vehicle, where he observed it fail to stop at a stop sign. Dyer then activated his lights to initiate a traffic stop, Fitzpatrick said.

Upon approaching the stopped vehicle, Dyer noticed Gaetz’ bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, said Fitzpatrick.

After the arrival of Sgt. Cook, who was called in before Dyer was sure the vehicle was going to stop for him, Gaetz was asked to step out of the car, to perform standard field sobriety tests, police said. Gaetz reportedly declined to participate in the test, at which point he was arrested.

Gaetz reportedly admitted to drinking and driving, telling Belfast Police. After voluntarily taking breath alcohol test, Gaetz’ blood alcohol content was revealed to be .21. 

Sergeant Fitzpatrick said Belfast Police were, “very lucky it [happened] at 11:30 at night, because who knows what could have happened.”

Gaetz was charged with operating under the influence, driving to endanger, criminal speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign, and operating a motor vehicle with an expired license. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com