Slippery Slopes: The Curious Case of Zamboni DUIs and the Law

Colorado is currently in the midst of a sports renaissance, with teams like the Avalanche, Nuggets, and Broncos dominating the headlines and igniting the passions of fans across the state. While these sports heroes capture our attention on the field, court, or rink, a curious question arises: Can you get a DUI while actively participating in a sporting event? This week, we bring you the intriguing case of the Zamboni DUI.

Imagine a crisp winter evening in Apple Valley, Minnesota. A PeeWee hockey game has just concluded, and another is about to begin. Joel K. Bruss, a part-time rink attendant, takes to the ice with a singular mission – preparing it for the next game. However, as parents and players look on, something unusual unfolds. Bruss begins to weave erratically across the ice. He crashes the Zamboni into the boards before anyone can fully comprehend the situation. What should have been a routine 10-minute ice-resurfacing job turns into a 25-minute spectacle of confusion and concern.

Local law enforcement swiftly responded to the scene, and what they found was baffling. The Zamboni, that iconic ice-resurfacing machine, is wedged awkwardly between the rink and an exterior walkway. Bruss, who already had a history of multiple DUI convictions, is clinging to the Zamboni for support, his unsteady demeanor and glassy eyes telling a tale of intoxication. A subsequent urine test reveals a shocking BAC of 0.32, a staggering four times the legal limit. Bruss eventually pleaded guilty to DWI (driving while intoxicated) in May 2012.

This peculiar incident is not an isolated one. In 2005, a 64-year-old man named John Peragallo embarked on a similarly bizarre escapade. After indulging in a breakfast shot of Sambuca and two Valium pills, he took a joyride on a Zamboni. His erratic maneuvers on the ice drew attention, eventually leading to his arrest. Interestingly, a superior court judge in New Jersey ruled that Zambonis are not classified as motor vehicles in that state, primarily because they cannot carry passengers or travel on highways.

However, the interpretation of the law can vary from one state to another. In Colorado, for instance, a judge might have a different perspective. Therefore, the next time you find yourself at the Pepsi Center or any other sports arena, keeping any fanciful notions of taking the Zamboni for a joyride firmly in check is best.

While these incidents may seem comical at first glance, they underscore the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the potential legal consequences of impaired judgment, even in seemingly unlikely scenarios. If you ever face DUI charges in Colorado or have questions about the state’s DUI laws, Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, is here to provide guidance and support.