HILLSIDE — A police officer in Hillside issued Mayor Angela Garretson five summonses in July according to reports.
Reports said, Garretson faces summonses that charges her with disregarding an officer's hand signals, obstructing passage of vehicles, improper passing, talking on a cellphone and driving through a safety zone.
The tickets were issued by Officer Matthew Casterline, the reports said.
The violations reportedly occurred in the early morning hours of July 12, on Hillside Avenue while Garretson was driving her personal vehicle, 2016 Mercedes SUV, the report said.
According to the report, Casterline was working an overtime job at a construction site during the stop.
According to the Division of Motor Vehicle's website, the violationa for improper passing carries a 4-point penalty upon conviction. The summonses for failing to obey an officer's signals, obstructing traffic and driving through a safety zone each carry a penalty of 2 points while the talking on a cellphone while driving carries a $200 to $400 fine on conviction of a first offense.
Mayor Garretson has obtained legal counsel according to the report.
In an effort to avoid conflict of interest, the tickets have been transferred to the Union Township Municipal Courts.
Casterline also serves as the police department's Union President the report said.