A routine motor vehicle stop quickly escalated into a high-stakes DUI investigation when a New Jersey driver, Jennifer Best, was found swerving all over the road. What followed was a disturbing display of extreme intoxication, including a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over four times the legal limit. This case highlights the dangerous risks of DUI and the challenging work of patrol officers. The shocking bodycam footage captures the entire chaotic incident, from the stop to the eventual police arrest.
Table of Contents
What Happened Before Police Arrived
The incident occurred just after midnight on March 20, 2023, in Interlaken, NJ. Jennifer Best, who later admitted to being at a beer garden, was observed driving her mother’s 2003 GMC pickup truck.
- Erratic Driving: An officer, later identified as Patrolman Christopher Mirrione (Unit 138), initiated the stop after observing the vehicle driving all over the road and swerving.
- Failed Stop Attempt: Even after the officer engaged his lights (“lit her up”), Best continued to drive, rolling all the way to the final stop location.
- Hugged the Curve: The driver was seen “definitely hugging the curb on the grass” and eventually hit the curb before stopping. She was also driving with the license plate lights out.
Police Arrival & Key Bodycam Moments
The stop was initiated around Main Street in Interlaken. Patrolman Mirrione was the primary unit on the scene.
- Strong Odor and Slurred Speech: Immediately upon contact, the officer noted a strong odor coming from the vehicle, and Best was slurring a lot. She admitted to drinking at the Beer Garden.
- Missing Documents: Best could only initially provide the registration for the GMC pickup truck, which was owned by her mother, Nancy Best, and an old insurance card. She could not immediately find her license.
- The Field Sobriety Tests: Officer Mirrione conducted multiple SFSTs:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test: The officer instructed her to follow the pen with her eyes only. Best struggled to keep her head straight and focus.
- Walk-and-Turn Test: She was swaying all over the place, struggled to maintain the starting position, and could not properly complete the heel-to-toe steps.
- One-Leg Stand Test: She attempted the test but was unable to hold the required position.
- The Emotional Breakdown and Arrest: During the tests, Best became emotional, saying she needed to go home to her kids and was having a “rough night.” She was then informed she was under arrest.
- Search & Property: Officers checked the vehicle. They collected her phone, keys, and purse. The officer explained that a traffic arrest in New Jersey is not criminal.
Charges & Legal Explanation
| Charge | Explanation |
|---|---|
| DWI / Driving While Intoxicated | Why Charged: Erratic driving, strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech, and the failed field sobriety tests. Legal Meaning: Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence or with a BAC of 0.08% or more. Best’s BAC was recorded as .340%. |
Expert Opinion Section
As a neutral law enforcement expert, the officers’ actions were appropriate and justified given the extreme intoxication.
- Did the officers act correctly? Yes. The stop was justified based on erratic driving and equipment violations. SFSTs were appropriate due to odor and slurred speech.
- Were their decisions justified? Absolutely. Her behavior during the tests gave clear probable cause for arrest.
- Could the situation have been handled differently? The officers responded professionally and showed compassion. They reassured her about the legal process and arranged contact with a sober party.
- Did the suspect receive proper legal treatment? Yes. She was informed of the process, her vehicle was handled under John’s Law, and she was released to a sober party.
Final Outcome / What Happened in the End
Jennifer Best was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.
- Processing and Release: She was transported to Deal Police Headquarters, processed, and her BAC was recorded at .340%.
- Final Release: She was released to a sober party who signed her out. The officer contacted her boyfriend, Joseph Wooley, to pick her up.
- Vehicle Towed: The 2003 GMC truck was impounded under John’s Law and towed to Bennett’s.
- Legal Standing: She received traffic tickets and has a pending Interlaken Court date.