NEWARK, N.J. (AP) – John Peragallo’s career on the ice is itself on thin ice.
Peragallo, a Zamboni operator, was charged with drunken driving after a fellow employee at the Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown called police to report the machine was speeding and nearly crashed into the boards.
By the time officers arrived Sunday, Peragallo had parked the four-ton ice-cleaning machine after resurfacing the rink during a break in public skating.
Police said Peragallo’s blood alcohol level was 0.12 percent. Levels of 0.08 percent and above are considered legally drunk. A breath test was administered.
Peragallo got a summons and had his car keys confiscated, said Morris County Park Police Lt. David Doyle, who said a Zamboni is considered a motor vehicle, no different than a car.
Zamboni privileges were revoked for Peragallo, 63, of Randolph, who has worked for the Morris County park system since 1994. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday by The Star-Ledger.
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