The Red Bank DWI crash bodycam footage captures the exact moment a routine accident investigation turns into a tense arrest outside the historic Molly Pitcher Inn. On a rainy February night in Red Bank, New Jersey, officers arrived to find a vehicle totaled against a light post and a driver struggling to explain how he hit a stationary object.
This case stands out because of the driver’s complete inability to perform standard tests and his sudden shift from confusion to aggression. What started as a crashed car investigation quickly escalated into a clear-cut Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) case.
Table of Contents
Watch: Red Bank DWI Crash Bodycam Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:10:32 where the situation escalates and the driver becomes verbally aggressive toward the officers.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began late at night on February 10, 2023. Officers from the Red Bank Police Department were dispatched to 88 Riverside Avenue, near the Molly Pitcher Inn, for a report of a motor vehicle accident.
The Crash Scene
When Officer Froilan Hernandez arrived, the scene was chaotic. A vehicle had crashed directly into a light post. The driver was found sitting on the sidewalk, appearing dazed.
“My car won’t move,” the driver admitted immediately. The officer bluntly asked, “How did you manage to hit a stationary pole, a fixed object?”. The driver claimed he was coming from his job but struggled to answer basic questions about how much he had to drink.
The Field Sobriety Tests
The investigation quickly shifted to a DWI assessment. The officer asked the driver to walk to a white line to begin testing.
The Eye Test: The officer began by checking the driver’s eyes, instructing him to “follow the tip of my pen” without moving his head. The driver had difficulty following simple instructions, prompting the officer to move the driver’s hair out of his eyes to ensure a clear view.
The Walk and Turn: Next, the officer demonstrated the “Walk and Turn” test. He instructed the driver to take nine heel-to-toe steps, turn, and take nine steps back.
The driver’s attempt was a failure. He started counting, “One, two, three, four, five,” and then abruptly stopped, muttering, “Shit. All right, let me do it”. He tried to restart but could not maintain the instruction, eventually just walking back to the start.
The One-Leg Stand: The final test required the driver to lift one foot six inches off the ground and count. The driver’s balance was non-existent. He began counting incoherently: “2000 without eight, 1009 1000 and 1100”.
Recognizing he was failing, the driver pleaded, “Let me do it again,” but the officer had seen enough.
The Arrest: Charges Against the Driver
The Red Bank DWI crash bodycam shows the officer placing the driver under arrest at 10:02 PM. The police report confirms the primary charge.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| D.W.I. (Driving While Intoxicated) | Operating a vehicle with a BAC above 0.08% or under the influence of drugs/alcohol. | License suspension, fines ($250-$400), and potential jail time (up to 30 days) for first offense. |
| MV Accident | Involvement in a crash resulting in property damage. | Fines, insurance surcharges, and points on license. |
Did you know? You can check arrest records for anyone in your neighborhood instantly. [Search Public Records Here]
Legal Analysis: Was the Red Bank DWI Crash Bodycam Arrest Justified?
Fourth Amendment Check: The Stop
The initial interaction was fully justified. Police were responding to a 911 call regarding a motor vehicle accident. Under the “Community Caretaking” doctrine, officers have a duty to check on the welfare of drivers involved in crashes. The driver’s admission that his car was “totaled” provided immediate grounds for detention to investigate the crash.
Probable Cause for Arrest
To make a DWI arrest, an officer needs “probable cause.” In this Red Bank DWI crash bodycam footage, the probable cause was overwhelming:
- The Accident: Hitting a stationary pole is a strong indicator of impairment.
- Admissions: The driver could not explain how the crash happened.
- Failed Tests: The driver failed to follow instructions on the Walk and Turn and could not balance during the One-Leg Stand.
Police Protocol
Officer Hernandez followed standard protocol by asking medical questions (“Are you injured?”, “Do you have any contacts?”) before starting the tests. This ensures that physical disabilities are not mistaken for intoxication.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
General (Common) FAQs about DWI/DUI laws
What is the difference between DUI and DWI?
In many states, the terms are used interchangeably. However, in some jurisdictions, DWI stands for “Driving While Intoxicated” or “Impaired,” often referring to alcohol specifically, while DUI stands for “Driving Under the Influence,” which can cover alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medication. Some states classify DWI as a more serious charge than DUI.
Can I legally refuse a Field Sobriety Test?
Generally, yes. In most US states, the roadside physical tests (like walking a straight line or standing on one leg) are voluntary. You are not legally required to perform them, and refusing them usually does not carry a direct penalty. However, refusing a chemical test (Breathalyzer or blood test) after you are arrested often carries automatic penalties, such as license suspension, under “Implied Consent” laws.
Can I get a DWI for prescription drugs?
Yes. You can be arrested for DWI even if you are not drinking alcohol. If a prescription medication (like painkillers, anti-anxiety meds, or sleep aids) impairs your ability to drive safely, you can be charged with Driving Under the Influence. A valid prescription is not a defense against impaired driving.
How long does a DWI stay on my record?
This varies by state, but it is usually a long time. In many states, a DWI conviction remains on your driving record for 5 to 10 years. In some states, it stays on your criminal record permanently (for life) unless you are eligible to have it expunged (sealed/erased) after a certain period of good behavior.
What happens if I refuse the Breathalyzer test?
Refusing a breathalyzer test at the police station (after arrest) typically triggers “Implied Consent” laws. This means that by holding a driver’s license, you have already consented to chemical testing if arrested. Refusal often results in an automatic, immediate suspension of your driver’s license (often for 6 to 12 months) regardless of whether you are eventually found guilty of the DWI charge.
Conclusion & Current Status
The incident concluded with the driver being cleared by an “Adult Arrest”. He was transported from the scene after a brief verbal altercation where he shouted, “You fucking me?” at the officers.
The case was filed under incident number 23-02216 with the Red Bank Police Department. The driver is presumed innocent until proven guilty, but the Red Bank DWI crash bodycam provides powerful evidence for the prosecution.
Download Police Report click here.
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
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It’s so annoying that the driver is constantly referred to as “he/him” when they are clearly female. Reference is made to the driver being three times over the limit but you have not provided any details about the breathalyzer or her BAC. And finally, for an arrest that was almost three years ago I would expect there to be details about the outcome of the case. Disappointing.