Police: Man charged with DWI after drinking 'Catnip Cocktail'

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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WAYNE, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey say a man who admitted drinking a "Catnip Cocktail" was arrested on DWI charges.

According to police, Joseph Donofrio of Valhalla, NY was driving recklessly at a high rate of speed on Route 23 in Wayne on Jan. 13th at about 10:55 p.m.

A sergeant observed him trying to make a left hand turn from the center lane across several lanes of traffic.

Police say there were several indicators that Donofrio was under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.

A passenger was found to be holding a bottle of 'Catnip Cocktail' labeled "Not for Human Consumption". The product is marketed as a 'mood enhancer' for cats and dogs.

Donofrio admitted making the passenger hold the plastic bottle as he was being stopped, and admitted drinking the substance himself, authorities said.

He told police he had consumed it that day but wasn't sure how much he consumed or when.

He was arrested after failing a field sobriety test, and was charged with DWI, reckless driving, use/influence of CDS, and inhaling toxic chemical fumes.

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