An Atlantic Highlands Kratom DUI investigation revealed a dangerous scene where a driver smashed a pole, drove on shredded tires, and claimed total sobriety before police found liquid extract in her car.
The incident unfolded on July 26, 2023, in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. Officers responded to a chaotic scene after a witness reported a female driver “falling asleep behind the wheel” and crashing into a utility pole. What seemed like a standard drunk driving stop took a twist when the driver, identified as Ann Richards, insisted she hadn’t touched alcohol in years. However, a search of her vehicle later uncovered “Kratom Extract,” raising questions about a different kind of impairment.
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Watch: Atlantic Highlands Kratom DUI Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:12:08. During the Walk and Turn test, the suspect loses her balance so significantly that she nearly falls into the roadway, prompting the officer to rush in and catch her.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The Witness Call
The situation began when a concerned driver called 911. He was following a vehicle that was driving erratically on State Route 36. The witness described the driver, Ann Richards, as being asleep at a green light in the middle of an intersection.
According to the witness, he pulled up next to her, rolled down his window, and honked his horn to wake her up. Richards reportedly hit “some bushes” and a pole before fleeing the scene. She drove on rims, sparking a trail of destruction before finally stopping.
The Confrontation
Officer Chenoweth arrived at Memorial Parkway and found Richards’ vehicle. The damage was obvious. The front driver’s side was “completely destroyed,” and both passenger-side tires were shredded and flat.
Despite the wreckage, Richards seemed confused. She told the officer she had a flat tire and had “dumped it up a little bit” on a divider. When asked about the massive damage, she claimed she didn’t realize it was that bad.
The Sobriety Tests
Richards firmly denied drinking. She told the officer, “I haven’t drank in 4 1/2 years”. Officers proceeded with Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to check for impairment.
- Walk and Turn: Richards removed her flip-flops but still struggled. She failed to walk heel-to-toe and stumbled dangerously at step seven, nearly falling into traffic.
- One Leg Stand: She could not keep her balance. She put her foot down almost immediately and stopped counting, telling the officer, “I’m so much better than this”.
- Eye Test (HGN): The officer noted her pupils were “pinpoint” and her eyes were watery.
The Discovery
Police arrested Richards for DUI based on her driving and performance. During a search of her vehicle, Sergeant Elmer found the potential culprit.
Hidden in the car were three vape pens and six bottles of “O.P.M.S. Gold Liquid Kratom Extract”. This discovery shifted the focus of this Atlantic Highlands Kratom DUI case from alcohol to substance impairment.
The Arrest: Charges Against Ann Richards
The following charges were filed against the suspect.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| 39:4-50 (DUI) | Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. | License suspension, fines ($300-$500), IDRC classes, possible jail. |
| 39:4-96 | Reckless Driving: Driving with disregard for safety. | Fines ($50-$200), points on license, up to 60 days jail. |
| 39:4-56 | Delaying Traffic: Obstructing the flow of vehicles. | Fines and court costs. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Atlantic Highlands Kratom DUI Justified?
Reasonable Suspicion for the Stop
The police had ample legal ground to stop Richards. The Fourth Amendment requires “reasonable suspicion” of a crime. In this case, officers had a credible witness statement about a crash and visual confirmation of a vehicle driving on shredded rims. A car driving on rims is an immediate safety hazard, justifying the stop.
The Search for Kratom
Was the search of the car legal? Yes. Under the automobile exception or search incident to arrest, police can search a vehicle if they have probable cause to believe it contains evidence of the crime (DUI). Once Richards was arrested for DUI, officers were permitted to search for open containers or drugs. Finding the Kratom extract provided critical evidence linking her impairment to a substance, even though she blew a 0.00% for alcohol (implied by the drug focus).
Kratom and DUI Laws
Many drivers believe they cannot be arrested for legal substances. This is false. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50) covers “narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drugs.” Kratom, while legal to buy, can cause sedative effects similar to opioids. If a driver is impaired by it, they can be charged with a DUI just like alcohol.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to this Case
Can I get a DUI for using legal supplements like Kratom?
Yes. Even if a substance is legal to purchase, you can still be charged with a DUI if it impairs your ability to drive. In this case, although the driver claimed she hadn’t barely drunk alcohol in years , police found “Kratom Extract” in her vehicle. The DUI statute (39:4-50) covers “narcotic, hallucinogenic, or habit-producing drugs,” not just alcohol.
Is driving on a flat tire considered “Reckless Driving”?
It can be. While a flat tire itself is often just a breakdown, continuing to drive on it can lead to charges. The suspect in this case was charged with Reckless Driving (39:4-96) after driving on “shredded” tires and rims , which officers noted made the vehicle “inoperable” and dangerous.
Can a witness report lead to my arrest if the police didn’t see me crash?
Yes. Police do not always need to witness the accident personally to make an arrest. In this incident, a witness followed the driver, called 911, and provided a written statement about her erratic driving and crash. Police used this witness account combined with the vehicle damage and the driver’s condition to determine she had been driving.
What happens if I refuse to take a breathalyzer test?
Refusing a breath test can result in separate charges and penalties. The officer in this case read a specific warning to the driver, stating that refusal could lead to a license revocation of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $2,000. You can be found guilty of refusal even if you are not found guilty of the DUI.
Do I have to perform Field Sobriety Tests (like the Walk and Turn)?
Drivers are often asked to perform these tests to help officers determine impairment. In this report, the officer decided to conduct tests like the “Walk and Turn” and “One Leg Stand” because the driver could not accurately explain the accident. Her inability to balance or follow instructions—such as stumbling step 7 —became key evidence for her arrest.
Conclusion & Current Status
Ann Richards was processed at police headquarters and issued multiple summonses. Police noted that if her breath test showed no alcohol, they would bring in a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to confirm drug impairment.
She was released pending a court date set for August 8, 2023. This Atlantic Highlands Kratom DUI serves as a stark warning: “Legal” supplements can still land you in handcuffs if you get behind the wheel.
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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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