A late-night traffic stop for excessive speed quickly escalated into a high-stakes DUI investigation. Officers detected the strong odor of alcohol and observed the driver, Talitha M. Olive, fumbling and unsteady. After failing multiple Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), Olive’s breathalyzer results revealed a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.149%—nearly twice the legal limit. The shocking bodycam footage captures the tense moments as the suspect is placed under police arrest.
Table of Contents
What Happened Before Police Arrived
The incident occurred just before 2:00 AM on January 25, 2025, on State Highway 36 Northbound near Allyson Lane in Middletown, NJ. The officer, Sgt. McGrath, observed a gray Toyota (NJ: C22CRC) traveling at a high rate of speed.
- Excessive Speed: The officer began pacing the vehicle, keeping his patrol car steady at 50 mph. Despite this, the Toyota continued to pull away, indicating it was traveling significantly faster.
- Expired Registration: While pacing the vehicle, the officer noted the Toyota’s registration was expired as of July 2024.
- The Stop: Based on the observed speeding and expired registration, the officer activated his overhead lights and conducted a motor vehicle stop at State Route 36 and Allison Lane.
Police Arrival & Key Bodycam Moments
Responding Officers C. McGrath, A. Flores, and Ro. Alvator arrived on the scene. The initial interaction with the driver, Talitha Olive, immediately raised suspicion.
- Initial Observations: As Sgt. McGrath spoke with the driver, he detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. The driver’s movements were slow, she was fumbling her belongings, and she gave only one-word answers. When asked if she had anything to drink, she replied: “No.”
- Unsteady Exit: When asked to step out for roadside tests, she appeared unsteady and bumped against the side of her car.
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test: Officers observed signs of impairment, including lack of smooth pursuit and distinct eye jerking at maximum deviation.
- Walk and Turn (WAT) Test: Olive was unable to maintain the heel-to-toe starting position. During the nine steps, she failed to walk heel-to-toe, did not count out loud, and took an incorrect number of steps even on her second attempt.
- One Leg Stand (OLS) Test: She was unable to keep her leg raised and count as instructed. She became unsteady on both attempts, forcing the officer to stop the test.
- The Arrest: Based on all observed clues, Olive was placed under police arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
- Bodycam Moment: While being processed, the driver admitted her legal situation, stating, “This is the time when I’m screwed.”
- Vehicle Search & Contraband: A search of her vehicle uncovered an open, half-finished White Claw and a tube containing what appeared to be pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes.
Charges & Legal Explanation
Talitha Olive was issued multiple summonses in Highlands Municipal Court.
| Charge | Summons Number | Explanation (Why Charged) | Legal Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| DWI | 1317E25000038 | Arrested after failing multiple SFSTs and providing a BAC of 0.149%. | Driving a motor vehicle under the influence with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. |
| Reckless Driving | 1317E25000039 | Observed speeding and pulling away from a patrol car paced at 50 mph. | Driving in a manner that endangers life or property. |
| Unregistered Vehicle | 1317E25000040 | Vehicle registration expired as of July 2024. | Operating a vehicle with expired/invalid registration. |
| Open Container | 1317E25000041 | An open White Claw alcoholic beverage found inside the vehicle. | Having an open container of alcohol inside a vehicle. |
| DUI | Additional Offense | Related to operation of a vehicle under the influence. | — |
| Traffic Offense | Reported Offense | For initial stop (speeding/expired registration). | — |
| Under Influence Drugs; Alcohol – 1 count | Involvement Type | Formal charge against the offender. | — |
Expert Opinion Section
The officers’ actions during this DUI investigation appear to have been proper and justified, based on New Jersey procedures.
- Correct Procedure: Speeding and expired registration provided a lawful basis for the stop. The smell of alcohol, fumbling, unsteadiness, and one-word replies justified escalating into a DUI investigation.
- Justified Decisions: The failure of all SFSTs provided probable cause for arrest. Vehicle towing and breath testing were conducted according to legal protocol.
- Suspect Treatment: The suspect was properly read her Miranda Rights, informed of breath test consequences, and allowed to contact a sober party under John’s Law.
Final Outcome / What Happened in the End
After her arrest, Talitha Olive was taken to the Highlands Police Headquarters for processing.
- Breath Test: After the mandatory 20-minute observation period, she provided two breath samples registering 0.149% BAC.
- Release & Vehicle: She was issued the summonses listed above and released to a sober party, while her vehicle was towed under John’s Law.
- Final Legal Result: The incident was marked as Completed (CMPLT) on January 27, 2025. She received a court date in Highlands Municipal Court.
Bodycam Video Link Section
Download the Full Police Report
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