BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — A Florida Atlantic University student from New Jersey is facing a DUI charge after he allegedly slammed into the back of a Mercedes on SE 1st Avenue Sunday afternoon. BocaNewsNow.com obtained arrest report which reveals Tristan Valentino, 21, of Hacketstown, New Jersey had a breath alcohol content more than twice the legal limit.
>>On 03/30/2025, at approximately 1730 hours, I responded to 100 SE Ist Ave as back-up assist Ofc. De La Rua to assist with a crash investigation with no injuries, involving a 2024 Kia K5 bearing (NJ J96SJC) and a 2018 Mercedes Benz. After Ofc. De La Rua concluded the crash investigation, discovering that, the Kia K5 driven by Tristan Valentino, rear-ended the Mercedes Benz driven by Sam Dahan. Dahan agreed to sign the Marcy’s form.
I began the criminal investigation. I observed Tristan Valentino’s eyes were red and glassy, his pupils were pinpoint, and he was chewing gum. Valentino was slow to respond to my request and could also smell a strong odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver’s breath when she spoke that overpowered the gum.
Based on my observations and Valentino’s demeanor, I requested that he submit to Standardized Field Sobriety Exercises. Valentino agreed to participate. According to Valentino, he was not sick or injured, did not have any physical defects or injuries, and did not limp. Lastly, Valentino stated he was not currently taking any prescription medications. I then proceeded with the exercises.<<
Valentino, according to police, had issues completing several of the field sobriety exercises overseen by the officer. The police report continues with the arrest.
>>Based on the totality of the circumstances, I found probable cause to believe that Valentino was operating a vehicle within the state while impaired by alcohol and or chemical or controlled substances. He was placed under arrest for DUI property damage per F.S.S 316.193(3C1). Valentino was transported to BRPD booking for post-arrest processing and the administration of a breath test. Officer Rosario (ID862) (Breath Test Operator) responded to the Boca Raton Police Department booking and assisted with the BAT room procedures. Valentino was asked to provide a sample of his breath for the purpose of determining the alcohol content, and he agreed. Valentino provided two breath sample readings of 0.179 and 0.173.<<
Valentino was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail and later released on $1,000 bond. A court date is pending.
