Goldman Sachs VP crashes his Benz into the Powerhouse. Can't make this sh*t up.
Former figure skating star charged with DWI in Downtown Jersey City crash caught on videoPublished: Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 3:29 PM
Updated: Wednesday, March 14, 2012, 3:43 PM
Michaelangelo Conte/The Jersey Journal
VideoFormer skating champ charged with DWI in Downtown Jersey City - gallery (4 photos)JERSEY CITY — The former international figure skater didn't stick the landing.
Juha S. Valkama, 32, a former Finnish ice dancing champion, was charged with driving while intoxicated around 10:10 p.m. last night after crashing his 2011 Mercedes in Downtown Jersey City, Port Authority Police spokesman Al Della Fave said today.
A Breathalyzer test revealed Valkama's blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit of .08, Della Fave said.
Valkama, 32, of Second Street, was trying to make a turn on Washington Street at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his luxury car, Della Fave said.
Port Authority Police officers in a marked car saw the two-door Mercedes stopped at a light at Washington and Fourth streets and when the light turned green Valkama hit the gas hard, Della Fave said.
Officers Matthew Vogelman and Sandra Burgos followed the car as it accelerated at fast rate before attempting to make a left onto Second Street, Della Fave said. Due to its speed, the Mercedes went out of control, jumped the curb, crossed the sidewalk and slammed into a fence where it got stuck and came to a halt, Della Fave said.
Valkama was shaky on his feet when he exited the car and he refused medical attention, but while speaking to him the officers noticed his speech was slurred and his breath smelled of alcohol, Della Fave said.
The skating champion told the officers he had a few drinks and he was taken into custody and brought to the Lincoln Tunnel Command Center, where a Breathalyzer test was administered.
Valkama's car was impounded and he was picked up by a friend, Della Fave said, adding that Valkama will have to appear in Jersey City Municipal Court on the DWI charge.
Valkama was a Finnish champion in the 2001-2002 season, 2002-2003 season and 2003-2004 season. In the European Figure Skating Championships he placed 21st, 20th and 18th, in those same season. In the World Championships he placed 26th, 21st and 28th in those years. Finally, in the 2003-2004 season he also placed 7th in the Finlandia Trophy competition.
According to a profile on the business networking site LinkedIn.com, Valkama is a vice president at Goldman Sachs, which has offices in Jersey City.
