📅 July 14, 2025 | 📍 Union Beach, New Jersey
👮 Officer: N. Zajac | Report No.: 250D05784
🧾 Based on official police report and released body-worn-camera footage
At around 10:23 a.m., the calm of Campbell Street shattered when a black Jeep driven by 52-year-old Catherine A. Casessa struck a parked grey Chevrolet.
Witnesses say she appeared unconscious behind the wheel moments earlier, then suddenly drove off, rolling over a neighbor’s lawn.
A local resident quickly called 911 and captured the Jeep’s license plate — preventing what could have become a full hit-and-run.
Table of Contents
Inside the Bodycam: Confusion, Denial & a Lawyer on Call
Body-camera video shows Catherine sitting dazed in her Jeep:
“Call my lawyer,” she mutters. “I don’t want to talk to you.”
Officers repeatedly ask for her license, registration, and insurance, but she remains on the phone, complaining,
“You won’t believe this.”
When an open bottle of wine is found under her seat, she nervously replies, “No, that’s nothing.”
Her speech is slurred; she can’t say where she’s been or where she’s going.
Sobriety Tests — and Refusal
During a field-sobriety evaluation, officers instruct her to follow a finger with her eyes. She sways, loses balance, and eventually refuses further testing.
“No, I don’t want to do it,” she says.
“You don’t have to,” the officer replies, “but you’re under arrest.”
She’s cuffed, searched by a female officer, and continues apologizing — “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”
At the Station: Narcan and a Wake-Up Call
At police headquarters, Catherine complains of shoulder pain and shows symptoms of possible opioid overdose.
Paramedics administer Narcan, an emergency drug that reverses opioid effects.
Within minutes, she’s alert again — confirming the suspicion that this was more than just alcohol impairment.
Eyewitness Testimony
A truck driver told police:
“She was half in the road when I was backing up. Then she rolled right toward my trailer — I jumped out before she hit.”
His neighbor’s Ring camera captured the collision and her attempt to flee.
Officers collected the footage and impounded the Jeep.
Charges Filed
Catherine Casessa faces:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Open Container in Vehicle
- Reckless Driving
Her Jeep was towed, and no other injuries were reported.
Was the Police Response Justified?
Absolutely. Officers handled the situation professionally and proportionately:
- Calm, repeated verbal commands
- Medical aid prioritized through Narcan
- Full evidence documentation (witness, Ring footage, impound)
- Compassionate tone during arrest
Their approach balanced law enforcement with medical responsibility — exactly what E-E-A-T-aligned coverage highlights.
What Could Have Been Better
- Earlier medical check: An on-scene EMT assessment might have confirmed impairment faster.
- Refusal documentation: Clear “refused vs. unable” notes strengthen future prosecution.
- Miranda & consent clarity: A short recorded rights reminder avoids later challenges.
- Public transparency: Redacted reports could boost community trust.
Author’s Legal Insight
Under New Jersey law, DUI covers both alcohol and controlled substances.
Because Narcan revived her, opioid influence is almost certain. In such cases, prosecutors may push for drug-court rehabilitation instead of jail — focusing on treatment over punishment.
Still, refusal to cooperate and an attempted escape will likely worsen sentencing.
Editorial Perspective
This case is a mirror of America’s drug-impaired-driving crisis.
Alcohol once dominated DUI stats — now, opioids are the hidden killer.
The Union Beach officers didn’t just make an arrest — they probably saved a life.
Justice isn’t always about punishment. Sometimes it’s about prevention — and a dose of Narcan at the right time.
Case Snapshot
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Catherine A. Casessa (52) |
| Incident | Motor Vehicle Accident / DUI / Drug Influence |
| Location | Campbell St, Union Beach, NJ |
| Police Response | Arrest + Narcan administered |
| Injuries | Minor shoulder pain (suspect) |
| Disposition | Case closed / scene cleared |
| Editorial Verdict | Police acted correctly and medically responsibly |
Police Report
