DWI Bodycam Video footage exposes the dramatic moment a New Jersey woman tried—and failed—to use her “police family” connections to escape a drunk driving arrest.
On August 17, 2024, officers arrested 56-year-old Candance Brunswick for Driving While Intoxicated after she pulled her vehicle onto a sidewalk. The incident, documented in police reports and camera footage, escalated from a confusing traffic stop to a refusal to submit to breath testing.
Table of Contents
Watch: DWI Bodycam Video Breakdown
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The Suspicious Stop The incident began just before midnight on Highland Avenue. Sergeant McGrath observed a woman going in and out of the rear of her Toyota. When the officer pulled behind her to initiate a stop, the driver did not pull over normally. Instead, she drove her vehicle completely off the road and onto the sidewalk.
Admissions and Excuses The driver, identified as Candance Brunswick, immediately exited the vehicle. She claimed she was looking for her purse and phone, believing a friend had taken them by mistake. During the conversation, Officer McGrath detected the odor of alcohol coming from her.
Brunswick admitted she had been drinking at a concert at MetLife Stadium earlier that evening. Specifically, she told officers she consumed “Surfside” vodka drinks between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Failed Sobriety Tests The officer conducted Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFST).
- Eye Test: During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, the officer observed “lack of smooth pursuit” and distinct jerking of the eyes, noting 6 clues of impairment.
- Walk and Turn: Brunswick failed to follow instructions. She raised her arms for balance, missed heel-to-toe steps, and took 12 steps instead of the required 9.
- One Leg Stand: She could not perform the test safely, and the officer had to stop it.
“My Nephew is Brett Friedman” Throughout the encounter, Brunswick attempted to leverage family connections. She repeatedly mentioned “Brett Friedman,” whom she identified as her nephew, and noted that her brother is a police officer in Nassau County. She asked the officer, “Is there any way that you can contact Brett?”. The officer continued with the arrest procedure regardless of these statements.
See Candance Brunswick Then’s Full Public Record & History
The Arrest: Charges Against Candance Brunswick
Following the failed tests, Brunswick was transported to Police Headquarters. The situation worsened when she was asked to submit breath samples. She stated, “I’m refusing,” and later, “Not at this time”.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| Driving While Intoxicated | Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. | License suspension, fines, potential jail time. |
| Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing | Denying the police a breath sample after an arrest. | Automatic license suspension and fines in NJ. |
| Reckless Driving | Driving with a willful disregard for safety. | Points on license, fines, possible jail. |
| Failure to Maintain Lane | Not keeping the vehicle within road markings (driving on sidewalk). | Traffic fine and points. |
Legal Analysis: Was the DWI Bodycam Video Evidence Justified?
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Fourth Amendment Check The initial stop appears legally sound. The officer observed the suspect driving onto a sidewalk, which is a clear traffic violation and a sign of distress or impairment. This gave the officer “reasonable suspicion” to detain the driver.
Police Protocol and John’s Law The officers followed New Jersey protocol regarding “John’s Law.” This law allows police to impound the vehicle of a DWI arrestee for 12 hours to prevent them from driving again immediately.
The Consequences of Refusal Brunswick’s refusal to take the breathalyzer is significant. In New Jersey, driving is considered a privilege, not a right. Under “Implied Consent” laws, refusing the test acts as a separate offense. The officer clearly read the “NJ Attorney General Standard Statement” advising her that she had no legal right to refuse. Her continued refusal sealed the additional charge.
Conclusion & Current Status
Candance Brunswick was processed at headquarters. Despite her earlier claims of not being able to find her phone, it was found on her dashboard She was eventually released into the custody of her husband, Bruce, in accordance with John’s Law. Her vehicle was impounded for the mandatory 12-hour period. She awaits a court date in Highlands Municipal Court to face the four charges brought against her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the “Chief” Candance Brunswick tried to call during her arrest?
During the stop, Brunswick repeatedly mentioned her nephew, “Brett Friedman,” and referred to him as a “Chief.” She asked officers to call him for a “courtesy,” hoping to avoid arrest, but the Highlands Police officers refused her request and continued with the standard procedure .
Why was Candance Brunswick driving on the sidewalk?
Brunswick told officers she pulled onto the sidewalk on Highland Avenue because she was panicked and looking for her missing purse and phone. She believed a friend had taken her bag by mistake. However, police later found her phone mounted directly on her dashboard .
Did the driver admit to drinking alcohol?
Yes. Brunswick admitted to officers that she had consumed several “Surfside” vodka drinks between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM while attending a concert at MetLife Stadium. Officers noted the odor of alcohol coming from her breath during the investigation .
What are the consequences of her refusing the breathalyzer?
By stating “I’m refusing” at the station, Brunswick faced an additional charge of “Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing.” In New Jersey, this is a separate offense from DWI and carries mandatory penalties, including license suspension, regardless of the DWI outcome .
What is “John’s Law” mentioned in the police report?
“John’s Law” is a New Jersey statute that requires police to impound the vehicle of a driver arrested for DWI for a mandatory 12-hour period. Brunswick was released to her husband, but her car had to remain in police custody under this law .
Police Report Download Link – Click Here
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
Who is “John’s law” named after?