Driver Who Struck Enrique Patino Arrested and Charged with DUI

By Charlie Sahner

Robert McNamara, 26, of Robbinsville, NJ was placed under arrest and charged with driving under the influence during a vehicle investigation by Ewing, NJ Police, Lieutenant Gerald Jacobs confirmed this afternoon.

As previously reported, Enrique Patino, 44, owner of the Blue Tortilla Restaurant at 18 N. Main St. in New Hope, was hit from behind and killed while stopped on his motorcycle at a traffic light. The incident occurred at Route 29 and Lower Ferry Road in Ewing, NJ at 2:26 a.m. Saturday, said Jacobs. McNamara was taken into custody shortly thereafter and tested for alcohol blood level at a nearby hospital.

Patino's public viewing will be held Thursday 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Leaver-Cable Funeral Home (215-794-7696) in Buckingham; private funeral next day.

Blue Tortilla Restaurant Owner Apparently Killed in Motorcycle Crash

Enrique Patino, 42, owner of the Blue Tortilla Restaurant at 18 North Main Street in New Hope, PA was killed Friday night in a motorcycle crash, according to local friends. He is survived by his wife and four children.

He had previously owned the Milagros Gallery at 13 West Mechanic Street, where I knew him as a neighbor. He was a handsome, soft-spoken, dark haired man who seemed constantly in motion, entrepreneurial and intensely dedicated to his family.

Carl Glassman, owner of New Hope's famed Wedgwood Inn, best summed up the tragic event: "We all are in shock at Enrique's untimely passing. Friday, July 30, 2010 was a starlit summers' evening. No humidity, a nice break from the heat of the last few weeks. Between the great weather and the fireworks, New Hope was abuzz with visitors. A friend who is a server at Blue Tortilla said the restaurant was busy all day and night. She left at 11 p.m. Enrique was still there closing up when she left. At some point after that Enrique took a ride on his motorcycle..."

Funeral arrangements to be announced.