Crime Blotter: Man Accused of Drunken Zamboni Driving

July 1, 2005 -- -- A man is accused of driving a Zamboni while drunk; a senior citizen saves her elderly dog from an alleged would-be pooch snatcher; and an alleged "Peeping Tom" is in the outhouse -- literally. There are no firecrackers, but plenty of fireworks, in this week's edition of "The Crime Blotter."

NEWARK, N.J. -- A New Jersey man has had his Zamboni driving privileges put on ice -- for now.

John Peragallo was charged with drunken driving after a colleague at Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, N.J., called police on June 26 to report that the Zamboni ice-surfacing machine Peragallo was driving was speeding and had nearly crashed into the walls of the skating rink. By the time police arrived, Peragallo polished the ice rink during a public skating break and parked the Zamboni. However, police said, tests found that Peragallo's blood-alcohol level was 0.12 percent. A person is considered legally drunk in New Jersey with blood alcohol levels of 0.08 percent and above.

Morris County authorities said a Zamboni is considered a motor vehicle. Peragallo received a summons and his car keys were confiscated. His Zamboni driving privileges have been revoked until further review.

SAN DIEGO-- Sometimes an old woman can be the best friend man's best friend can have.

A 73-year-old woman fought off a man who allegedly tried to snatch a bag containing her elderly Yorkshire terrier, police said. On June 28, the woman -- whose name was not released -- was pushing her 12-year-old Yorkie and several bags in a shopping cart when a man passed by on a bicycle and grabbed a bag containing the dog. It was not clear whether the alleged robber realized a dog was in the bag, authorities said.