Courtney Crow DWI bodycam footage captures the confusing and chaotic aftermath of a crash in Highlands, New Jersey, where a 41-year-old woman pushed a parked car into a utility pole.
The incident quickly went from a standard accident investigation to a viral drunk driving arrest when officers discovered the driver, Courtney Crow, was unsure of her location and struggling to answer basic questions.
Table of Contents
Watch: Courtney Crow DWI Bodycam Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:13:00 where Crow attempts to recite the alphabet but ends up singing a confused string of letters instead.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The Crash Scene
On March 15, 2024, at approximately 10:57 PM, the Highlands Police Department received reports of a motor vehicle accident near Shore Drive and Marie Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a grey 2020 Subaru Forester with significant front-end damage.
The Subaru, driven by Courtney Crow, had struck a parked green 2011 Jeep Liberty with enough force to push it into a nearby utility pole. The airbags in Crow’s vehicle had deployed, and officers found her still sitting in the driver’s seat.
Initial Questioning
When Officer Wojdylak approached the vehicle, he immediately noted a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” coming from Crow. Officers helped her out of the car and walked her to the sidewalk to ensure she wasn’t injured.
The conversation quickly became confusing. When asked what happened, Crow repeatedly said, “I literally left,” and claimed she didn’t know what she had hit. She admitted she had been drinking in New York before driving home but claimed she hadn’t had “too much”.
The Field Sobriety Tests
Officers decided to administer Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) due to her slurred speech and the smell of alcohol.
The Walk and Turn: Officer Wojdylak demonstrated the “Walk and Turn” test. Crow struggled to follow instructions, starting the test multiple times before being told to begin. When she finally did the test, she could not touch heel-to-toe and had to use her arms for balance—a major clue of impairment.
The Alphabet Test: In a critical moment caught on the Courtney Crow DWI bodycam, the officer asked if she had a degree. Crow replied, “I have a degree in um sorry”. When asked to recite the alphabet without singing, she agreed but then immediately began singing: “l m n o p, q, r, s, t, n, u, v, w, x, y, and z”.
The Arrest
Based on her performance on the tests and the crash itself, officers placed Crow under arrest for driving while intoxicated. During the ride to the station, the patrol vehicle filled with the smell of alcohol through the closed partition.
At the station, Crow agreed to a breath test but was unable to provide a sufficient sample despite eight attempts. Police deemed this a refusal.
The Arrest: Charges Against Courtney Crow
Police charged Crow with multiple offenses following the crash.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| DWI (39:4-50) | Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. | License suspension, fines, potential jail time. |
| Refusal (39:4-50.4) | Failing to provide a breath sample when required by law. | License revocation, mandatory interlock device. |
| Reckless Driving | Driving with willful disregard for safety. | Points on license, fines, possible jail. |
| Careless Driving | Driving without due caution. | Fines and points on license. |
| Marked Lanes | Failing to stay within the driving lane. | Fines. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Courtney Crow DWI Bodycam Arrest Justified?
Probable Cause for the Stop
In this case, officers did not need to witness the driving to establish probable cause. The presence of a crash scene, the position of the vehicles, and Crow’s presence in the driver’s seat provided sufficient grounds to investigate.
The Field Sobriety Tests
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are voluntary in many jurisdictions, but they help officers build a case.
- Observations: The officer noted “strong odor of alcoholic beverage,” slurred speech, and confusion about location.
- Performance: Crow failed to follow instructions on the Walk and Turn test and could not maintain balance. These are standard “clues” used in court to prove impairment.
The Refusal Charge
New Jersey is an “Implied Consent” state. This means that by driving on NJ roads, you consent to breath testing if arrested for DWI.
The Issue: Crow agreed to the test saying “that’s fine,” but physically failed to provide a sample eight times.
The Law: Courts often view the inability to provide a sample (without a medical reason) as a “constructive refusal.” This allows the state to charge her with Refusal even though she verbally said yes.
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5 general and simple FAQs related to the charges in this case (DWI, Refusal, Reckless Driving)
What happens if you refuse a breathalyzer test in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, driving on public roads means you have given “Implied Consent” to chemical testing. If you refuse to provide a breath sample when arrested for DWI (like the “Refusal” charge in this case), you face a separate offense. This can result in automatic license suspension and fines, even if you are later found not guilty of the DWI itself.
What constitutes “Reckless Driving” compared to “Careless Driving”?
“Reckless Driving” is a more serious offense than “Careless Driving”. Reckless driving implies the driver willfully ignored the safety of others (e.g., driving aggressively or dangerously intoxicated). Careless driving is usually less severe, implying the driver was negligent or simply not paying enough attention (e.g., drifting out of a lane).
Are Field Sobriety Tests (like the Walk and Turn) mandatory?
Generally, the physical roadside tests (like walking a straight line or standing on one leg) are voluntary in many US states. However, officers use them to establish “probable cause” for an arrest. Refusing them can limit the evidence against you, but the officer can still arrest you based on other observations like the smell of alcohol or slurred speech.
Can you be charged with DWI if you aren’t driving when police arrive?
Yes. As seen in this case, the suspect was found sitting in the driver’s seat after the crash occurred. If police can prove you “operated” the vehicle while intoxicated—for example, by witnessing the crash aftermath, engine warmth, or admissions of driving—you can still be charged with DWI.
What is “John’s Law”?
The report mentions the vehicle was towed for a “mandatory John’s Law impound”. In New Jersey, this law requires police to impound the vehicle of anyone arrested for DWI for at least 12 hours. This is to prevent the person from potentially driving again while still intoxicated immediately after being released.
Conclusion & Current Status
Courtney Crow was processed and released to a sober party following the incident. Her vehicle was impounded under “John’s Law,” which mandates a 12-hour impoundment for vehicles involved in DWI arrests.
She faces a pending court appearance in the Highlands Municipal Court to answer for the charges of DWI, Refusal, and Reckless Driving.
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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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