One of Mayor Steve Fulop’s top aides was recently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and being at fault for an accident that injured another driver.

The Jersey City Police Department criminally charged Deputy Chief of Staff Phillip A. Orphanidis with assault by automobile in the fourth degree on Sept. 30, according to court records. 

He was also charged with refusing to take a field sobriety test, driving under the influence, having an expired license, and being without proof of insurance. 

According to the criminal complaint, obtained from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, he was allegedly recklessly driving and suspected of being drunk when he rear-ended another vehicle at an intersection near the Newport Centre Mall.  

September employee records indicated Orphanidis was one of Fulop’s three aides. His LinkedIn page states he is the deputy chief of staff, but he’s held many roles over the course of his decade with the city.

According to the complaint and affidavit of probable cause, Orphanidis of West Orange was reportedly driving a 2024 Cadillac Escalade at 5:25 p.m. Sept. 30 when he crashed into the back of a 2026 Tesla Model Y stopped at the Marin Boulevard and 8th Street traffic light.

Officers reportedly smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage. But they say Orphanidis refused to take a sobriety test and became agitated while his intoxication status was being discussed. He also didn’t follow simple commands.

Orphanidis, who is in his late 30s, makes six figures and was hired by the city in 2014, repeatedly told officers he “tapped” the vehicle in front of him, but he wouldn’t elaborate further to them, states the affidavit. Following the crash, the other driver of the Tesla reportedly complained of neck pain.

Orphanidis is first scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday. 

It’s not immediately clear if the city took any action in response to the incident.

Attempts to reach Orphanidis at the Jersey City Mayor’s Office and by email were unsuccessful. Fulop’s press secretary did not respond to a request for comment.