A routine traffic stop turned into a viral confrontation during a Highlands NJ DUI Arrest when a driver admitted she was “too drunk to drive” but refused to go to jail because she had dogs to feed. Risa Beyer, 47, was stopped in Middletown, New Jersey, after her red Jeep was seen swerving across white lines on Highway 36. What followed was a profanity-laced standoff where the suspect claimed her “power” and friendships with police should grant her a free pass home.
Table of Contents
Watch: Highlands NJ DUI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 03:11 where the situation escalates as Beyer flatly refuses to exit her vehicle for testing.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began on January 21, 2024, at approximately 1:53 AM. Officer Richards observed a red 2015 Jeep failing to maintain its lane, crossing the solid white line into the shoulder multiple times. When the officer activated his emergency lights, Beyer continued driving for nearly 100 yards before finally stopping.
Upon making contact, the officer noticed Beyer’s hands were shaky and her movements were slow. A strong odor of alcohol drifted from the vehicle. When asked how much she had to drink, Beyer was unexpectedly blunt, stating, “I’m not going to lie to you officer, probably too many”.
The tone shifted instantly when officers asked her to step out for a Highlands NJ DUI Arrest screening. Beyer became argumentative and confrontational, shouting, “No, you can’t make me… I’m going home”. She insisted that her responsibilities at home—specifically her three dogs—superseded the law.
As Sgt. McGrath arrived to assist, the suspect began a series of threats. She claimed she worked for an orthopedic center and treated police officers, threatening to “intentionally harm” future officer patients by withholding care. She also repeatedly invoked the names of high-ranking friends, hoping “name-dropping” would end the investigation.
Despite her claims of knowing the “drill,” Beyer refused both field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer. She told officers to “fuck off” and argued that because a local officer had once died in a drunk driving accident, she should be allowed to drive drunk too.
The Arrest: Charges Against Risa Beyer
Beyer was eventually removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest. Her vehicle was impounded under “John’s Law,” which allows police to seize vehicles involved in DUI arrests.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| DWI (39:4-50) | Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. | License loss, heavy fines, and possible jail time. |
| Refusal to Submit (39:4-50.4A) | Refusing to provide a breath sample. | Mandatory license suspension and ignition interlock. |
| Reckless Driving (39:4-96) | Driving with a willful disregard for safety. | Fines and points on driver’s license. |
| Marked Lanes (39:4-88) | Failing to stay within the lane lines. | Fines and insurance surcharges. |
Did you know? You can check arrest records for anyone in your neighborhood instantly. [Search Public Records Here]
Legal Analysis: Was the Highlands NJ DUI Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the Highlands NJ DUI Arrest appears to follow standard New Jersey police protocol. Under the Fourth Amendment, an officer must have “reasonable suspicion” to initiate a traffic stop. The observation of the Jeep failing to maintain its lane and crossing into the shoulder multiple times provided the legal basis for the stop.
Once stopped, the odor of alcohol and Beyer’s own admission of having “too many” drinks established probable cause for further investigation. New Jersey’s “Implied Consent” law means that by holding a driver’s license, you agree to submit to breath testing if arrested for DUI. Beyer’s explicit refusal—”Oh fuck off no”—triggered the additional refusal charge.
Officers showed significant restraint, offering Beyer multiple opportunities to perform tests before resorting to a physical arrest. Her verbal threats regarding withholding medical treatment from officers likely solidified the decision to process her fully at headquarters.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
here are five frequently asked questions regarding the legal implications of this case
What is “John’s Law” and why was it applied to the suspect’s vehicle?
“John’s Law” (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.22) allows New Jersey law enforcement to impound a vehicle for at least 12 hours following a DUI arrest. It is designed to prevent an intoxicated person from regaining access to their vehicle and driving again immediately after being released from custody.
Can a driver be charged with a “Refusal” even if they admit to being drunk?
Yes. Admitting to being “too drunk to drive” does not exempt a driver from the legal requirement to provide a breath sample. Under New Jersey’s “Implied Consent” law, a driver must submit to a breathalyzer test when requested by an officer who has probable cause; failing to do so results in a “Refusal to Submit” charge (39:4-50.4A), which often carries penalties as severe as the DUI itself.
Does a suspect’s professional background or “status” influence the outcome of a DUI stop?
Legally, no. While the suspect in this case repeatedly mentioned her professional role at an orthopedic center and her friendships with law enforcement to influence the officers, these factors do not provide legal immunity. In fact, the reports indicate that her argumentative behavior and “name-dropping” were documented as evidence of her being confrontational and uncooperative.
Is a “Roadside Sobriety Test” the same as a Breathalyzer test?
No, they are distinct parts of an investigation. Roadside tests (SFSTs), like the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) or physical movement tests, help officers establish probable cause for an arrest. A breathalyzer is a chemical test conducted later (usually at headquarters) to measure Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). In this case, the suspect refused both the physical roadside tests and the chemical breath test.
What are the legal consequences of threatening officers during a DUI processing?
While the primary charges in this case are motor vehicle violations, threatening to “intentionally harm” officers or interfere with their medical care can lead to additional criminal charges such as “Terroristic Threats” or “Obstruction of the Administration of Law”. Even if additional charges aren’t filed, this behavior is recorded in the official police narrative and can be used by the prosecution to demonstrate the suspect’s state of mind and lack of cooperation.
Conclusion & Current Status
Following her processing at the Highlands Police Department, Risa Beyer was released to a sober party. She faces a pending court date in the Highlands Municipal Court to answer for the four summonses issued. Her vehicle was towed by Hennessey’s Towing and held under the state’s mandatory 12-hour impoundment law.
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 and transcriptions of the incident.
Don’t Rely on Their Word Alone In this case, conflicting stories led to an arrest. The only way to prove your innocence in a traffic stop is with your own 4K evidence. Protect yourself this holiday season. 🎄 Click Here