The Erin Best Keansburg Arrest began with a chaotic late-night brawl that left witnesses stunned and police scrambling to restore order. It wasn’t just a simple neighborhood dispute; the scene involved multiple individuals, reports of a taser, and a surprising claim of a New York City badge being present.
The incident took place in the early hours of July 13, 2024, at 3 Railroad Ave in Keansburg, New Jersey. What started as a verbal argument quickly escalated into a physical confrontation that led to one woman being hauled away in handcuffs.
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Watch: Erin Best Keansburg Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:08:12 where the situation escalates, and witnesses describe the physical nature of the confrontation.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The Keansburg Police Department received a report of a fight at approximately 2:21 AM. Officers Ryan McCue and Andrew Valle were dispatched to 3 Railroad Ave, arriving on the scene just minutes later at 2:22 AM.
According to the bodycam transcript, the atmosphere was thick with tension. One witness claimed the fight started between “girls” and then the men got involved while trying to break it up.
The narrative took a bizarre turn when one individual on the scene claimed to have a “badge in my pocket” from New York City. This person told officers they were caught in the crossfire while trying to keep people apart.
As officers interviewed those present, a disturbing detail emerged: reports of a female with a taser. One witness described a suspect, later identified as Aliyah Roscoe, allegedly brandishing the device and stating she “didn’t give a f***” who anyone was.
However, the primary focus of the physical escalation turned toward Erin Best. Witnesses reported seeing Best “slam” another individual onto a car and a wooden bench. One participant claimed Best started hitting another person “for no reason” during the scuffle.
The chaos was described as a “little scuffle” by some, but for others, it was a frightening display of violence. One man reported being “punched in the face” when he tried to intervene.
The Arrest: Charges Against Erin M. Best
Following the investigation at the scene, Erin M. Best, 25, of Hazlet Twp, NJ, was placed under arrest. She was transported to police headquarters for processing.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 2C:33-2A(1) | Disorderly Conduct (Improper Behavior) | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine (NJ) 21 |
The Erin Best Keansburg Arrest resulted in complaint summons 1321-S-2024-000172. The specific statute, NJ 2C:33-2A(1), typically involves fighting, threatening, or violent behavior in public.
Legal Analysis: Was the Erin Best Keansburg Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the Erin Best Keansburg Arrest appears to follow standard New Jersey police protocol for public disturbances.
Fourth Amendment Check: The officers responded to a 911 call reporting a “Fight (34)”. Under the Fourth Amendment, officers had “reasonable suspicion” to detain individuals at the scene to investigate a potential crime. Once witnesses provided statements identifying Best as the physical aggressor who “slammed” another person, the officers established “probable cause” for the arrest.
Police Protocol: Officers McCue and Valle arrived within four minutes of the initial call. They conducted field interviews and documented multiple perspectives before making the arrest. This systematic approach is designed to ensure that the primary aggressor is identified in a “he-said, she-said” situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What constitutes “Disorderly Conduct” under New Jersey law (2C:33-2)?
Under NJ Statute 2C:33-2, disorderly conduct is a “petty disorderly persons offense”. It typically involves two types of behavior: improper behavior (fighting, threatening, or violent behavior) or offensive language in a public place intended to cause public inconvenience or alarm. In this case, the arrest was specifically for fighting and physical aggression.
Can an off-duty officer or an officer from another jurisdiction (like NYC) intervene in a New Jersey incident?
While the transcript mentions someone with a “NYC badge”, an out-of-state officer generally does not have the same police powers in New Jersey as they do in their home jurisdiction unless they are assisting NJ officers or a specific crime is being committed in their presence. However, they may act as a private citizen or intervene to prevent “imminent danger” until local police (like Keansburg PD) arrive.
Is it legal to use a taser during a physical altercation in New Jersey?
New Jersey law regarding tasers (Stun Guns) has changed recently; while they are legal to possess for self-defense, using them as an aggressor or during a fight can lead to serious “Weapons Possession” or “Aggravated Assault” charges. Even if the taser was not fired, brandishing it to threaten others—as reported in the transcript —can escalate a simple disorderly conduct charge to a felony-level offense.
Can you be arrested if you were “hitting back” in self-defense?
Yes. In New Jersey, police often arrest anyone actively involved in a physical fight if they cannot immediately determine the primary aggressor. While “self-defense” is a valid legal defense in court, the transcript shows several individuals claiming they “hit back” after being hit first. Police at the scene may still issue a summons, leaving it to the court to decide if the force used was justified or excessive.
What is the significance of receiving a “Complaint Summons” instead of being jailed immediately?
A “Complaint Summons” (like the 1321-S-2024-000172 issued here) means the suspect is charged with a crime but is released on their own recognizance instead of being held in jail pending a bail hearing. It requires the individual to appear in municipal court on a specific date. Failing to appear for this court date can result in a bench warrant being issued for the person’s arrest.
Conclusion & Current Status
Following the Erin Best Keansburg Arrest, Best was issued a court date of July 25, 2024, at 8:30 AM in Keansburg Municipal Court. The police report noted that the disposition was “Clear No Report Required” for the general call, though a specific case report was filed for Best’s arrest.
The investigation highlights the volatile nature of street-level disputes and the rapid response of local law enforcement to prevent further injury.
Download Police Report click here.
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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