A Maryland woman’s high-speed trip through Highlands, New Jersey, ended in a pile of twisted metal and a .19% BAC reading after a white Toyota RAV4 slammed into several parked vehicles . The chaotic scene unfolded on Bay Avenue as a K9 officer watched the suspect speed past with no headlights, only to witness a violent collision seconds later. This Highlands NJ DUI crash has gained attention due to the suspect’s high level of intoxication and her unusual behavior at the scene.
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Watch: Highlands NJ DUI Crash Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:00:16 in the transcript where the officer notes the suspect is not wearing shoes while running from the fresh wreckage.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
On October 8, 2024, at approximately 7:29 PM, Highlands Police Ptl. N. Curley was patrolling Bay Avenue in a K9 vehicle. He observed a white 2023 Toyota RAV4 with Maryland plates flying westbound at 50 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. The car had no headlights on and was swerving across lanes.
As the officer turned to initiate a stop, the Toyota swerved right and slammed into a parked red Jeep Wrangler. The force was so great that the Jeep was pushed into a silver Chrysler Sebring and up over the curb. The driver, later identified as 41-year-old Vanessa Fajardo, jumped out of the car and ran toward the officer—barefoot and crying.
Fajardo immediately told the officer she was looking at her phone for her kids when the crash happened. However, officers quickly noticed a “strong odor of alcoholic beverage” and that her eyes were bloodshot and watery. Fajardo’s mood swung wildly from calm to demanding and uncooperative.
During Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), Fajardo’s performance was severely impaired:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): She showed all six indicators of impairment.
- Walk and Turn: She started early, failed to walk heel-to-toe, and took 13 steps instead of the instructed 9.
- Alphabet Test: Despite attending Montclair State University, she was unable to recite the alphabet correctly.
At police headquarters, Fajardo initially refused a breath test, stating, “no, I will fight it in court”. She later changed her mind, and the Alcotest revealed a BAC of 0.19%, more than double the legal limit.
The Arrest: Charges Against Vanessa Fajardo
Fajardo faces multiple summonses following the investigation of the Highlands NJ DUI crash.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| 39:4-50 DWI | Driving While Intoxicated | License loss, fines, and ignition interlock |
| 39:4-96 Reckless Driving | Driving with willful disregard for safety | Fines and potential jail time |
| 39:4-88 Marked Lanes | Failure to stay in a single lane | Fines and points on license |
| 39:4-98 Rates of Speed | Speeding (50 in a 25 zone) | Fines and points on license |
| 39:4-97.3 Cell Phone Use | Using a handheld phone while driving | Fines |
| 39:3-47a No Headlights | Driving after dark without lights | Fine |
| 39:3-29C No Insurance Card | Failure to provide proof of insurance | Fine |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Highlands NJ DUI Crash Stop Justified?
Fourth Amendment Check: The stop was highly justified. Ptl. Curley observed multiple moving violations—speeding, failure to use headlights, and failure to maintain a lane—which provide “reasonable suspicion” for a motor vehicle stop. The subsequent crash provided immediate probable cause for further investigation.
Police Protocol: Officers followed standard New Jersey procedures by requesting a second officer to conduct the SFSTs to ensure an objective evaluation. The search of the vehicle was conducted “incident to arrest,” and the 20-minute observation period prior to the breath test was strictly followed.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
Here are 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that are focusing on the legal and procedural aspects of New Jersey law:
What is “John’s Law” and how did it affect this case?
In New Jersey, “John’s Law” allows police to impound the vehicle of an individual arrested for a DWI for up to 12 hours. In this case, Vanessa Fajardo’s rental vehicle was immediately impounded and towed by Johnny U’s Towing as a result of her arrest. This law is intended to prevent intoxicated drivers from getting back behind the wheel immediately after being released.
Can you be charged with a DWI if you are under the influence of something other than alcohol?
Yes. New Jersey law covers impairment caused by alcohol, as well as “narcotic, hallucinogenic or habit-producing drugs”. During the incident, officers noted Fajardo’s “sporadic” demeanor and defensive behavior, which led them to investigate if other substances were involved. If a breathalyzer reading does not match the level of impairment observed, police may call a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to evaluate the suspect for drug use.
Is it legal for police to search a car without a warrant after a crash?
Generally, if an officer has probable cause to believe a vehicle contains evidence of a crime—such as open containers of alcohol or illegal substances—they may conduct a search. In this case, Fajardo’s vehicle was searched “incident to arrest” for evidence of intoxicants, although the search ultimately yielded negative results. All entries into the vehicle, including those by the Fire Department to move the car safely, were recorded on Body Worn Cameras (BWC) to ensure legal protocol was followed.
What happens if a driver refuses to provide a breath sample in New Jersey?
New Jersey has an “implied consent” law, meaning that by driving on state roads, you agree to submit to breath testing if arrested for a DWI. If a driver refuses, they face a separate “Refusal” charge, which carries penalties similar to a DWI, including license revocation and heavy fines. Fajardo initially refused, stating she would “fight it in court,” but eventually agreed to the test, which showed a BAC of 0.19%.
Can a driver be held responsible for damage to parked cars even if no one was inside?
Yes. While no injuries were reported because the Jeep and Chrysler were unoccupied, the driver is still legally and financially responsible for the property damage. Failing to maintain a lane and reckless driving are the primary charges used when a driver strikes stationary objects. These charges often lead to significant increases in insurance premiums and the requirement to pay for the “totaled” value of the vehicles involved.
Conclusion & Current Status
Vanessa Fajardo was processed at Highlands Police Headquarters and later released to a “sober party” as required by John’s Law. Her rental vehicle was impounded and towed from the scene. She now awaits her date in municipal court to answer for the high-speed Highlands NJ DUI crash that nearly resulted in tragedy.
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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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