Lambertville Police Charge Westfield Teacher with DUI

A Westfield elementary school teacher was charged with driving under the influence on Sept. 29 following a motor vehicle stop in Lambertville.

According to police reports, Lambertville Police Officer Michael Gramlich stopped Richard Salls, 57, on Route 29 at approximately 10 p.m. for speeding. He was allegedly traveling 63 miles per hour in a 40-mile per hour zone.

During the course of an investigation, Salls was determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol and subsequently arrested, according to police. He was charged with DUI, speeding and reckless driving. He was later released with a pending court date.

Salls is a fourth grade teacher at Wilson Elementary School in Westfield.

When contacted by Patch, Westfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Margaret Dolan said Salls is on medical leave at this time. Dolan did not reveal the nature of the teacher's medical condition or how long he would be on leave. She also did not say whether the medical leave began before or after Salls' arrest. Another teacher will be taking over the Cranford man's class until he returns.

"We are very fortunate to have an experienced teacher who is replacing him during his absence," Dolan said.

Salls also served three years on the Cranford Township Committee in the 1990s and was also named deputy mayor. In 2010, he was appointed to the township's River Maintenance Committee.

Patch will update this story as additional information becomes available.