“I did not hit anybody,” insisted Olga Podlog as she stood in her driveway, the hood of her white Infiniti SUV still radiating heat. Just blocks away, a silver Toyota sat mangled on the side of the road, the victim of a Highlands NJ DUI Hit and Run that witnesses say was orchestrated by a “blond lady” driving in reverse .
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Watch: Highlands NJ DUI Hit and Run Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:06:35 where the officer notes the suspect’s car is still “hot” to the touch, debunking her claim of being home for an hour.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The chaos began on July 26, 2024, at approximately 7:10 PM in the quiet borough of Highlands, New Jersey . Marissa Koziar returned to her 2021 Toyota Corolla to find a scene of destruction: her driver-side mirror was shattered, and the doors were covered in dents, scratches, and fresh white paint transfer .
A male witness walking his dog provided the smoking gun. He reported seeing a white SUV with a blond female driver backing down Hillside Avenue in reverse before slamming into the parked Toyota and fleeing into the East Manor Square complex .
Officer O’Donnell quickly located a white 2020 Infiniti QX5 matching the description. The damage was a perfect “spot on” match to the victim’s car, featuring silver paint transfer and fresh smear marks . When Olga Podlog approached the officer, the investigation into this Highlands NJ DUI Hit and Run took a turn for the bizarre .
The “Brooklyn” Alibi: A Web of Lies
Podlog immediately began a series of inconsistent defenses. She claimed the heavy damage to her vehicle occurred earlier that day in Brooklyn, NY, when she was struck by a “box truck”. However, the officer noted several critical facts that destroyed her story:
- The hood of her SUV was still warm, indicating it had been driven minutes—not hours—ago.
- Fresh paint shavings were still “pouring off” the vehicle.
- She initially claimed to have been home for an hour, then changed it to 30 minutes.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Podlog continued to deny involvement, even as the officer noted she “reeked” of alcohol and had slurred speech .
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests: Six Clues of Impairment
Officer O’Donnell administered three Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to determine Podlog’s level of intoxication:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Podlog showed all six clues of impairment, including a lack of smooth pursuit and nystagmus prior to a 45-degree angle.
- Walk and Turn (WAT): Despite multiple demonstrations, Podlog took 15 steps instead of 9, failed to walk heel-to-toe, and did not count aloud .
- One Leg Stand (OLS): She was unable to keep her hands at her side or look at her feet as instructed.
Perhaps most telling was her inability to recite the English alphabet from A to Z without singing, failing multiple attempts despite claiming to have an associate’s degree .
The Arrest: Charges Against Olga Podlog
Based on the witness testimony, the physical damage, and the failed sobriety tests, Olga Podlog was placed under arrest . Her night ended at police headquarters, where she allegedly refused to provide a breath sample for testing .
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 | Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) | Fines, License Suspension, IDRC |
| N.J.S.A. 39:4-129 | Leaving the Scene of an Accident | Fines, Points, Possible Jail Time |
| N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a | Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing | Mandatory License Suspension |
| N.J.S.A. 39:4-96 | Reckless Driving | Fines, Points, Insurance Hikes |
| N.J.S.A. 39:4-130 | Failure to Report Accident | Fines and Documentation Penalties |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Investigation Justified?
From a legal standpoint, the officers followed strict New Jersey police protocols. The “Plain View” doctrine allowed the officer to inspect the damage on Podlog’s vehicle in the complex driveway . The “Community Caretaking” and “Investigative Detention” were supported by a reliable eyewitness who identified the vehicle and driver description .
Furthermore, the Highlands NJ DUI Hit and Run investigation met the Fourth Amendment requirements for a lawful stop. Once the officer detected the “strong odor” of alcohol and observed watery, bloodshot eyes, he had the requisite reasonable suspicion to escalate the encounter to field sobriety testing .
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five frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is New Jersey’s “Implied Consent” law, and how does it affect a refusal charge?
In New Jersey, any person who operates a motor vehicle on a public road is deemed to have given consent to a chemical breath test to determine blood alcohol content (BAC). If a driver refuses to submit to this testing, as seen in this case with the charge of N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4a, they face automatic penalties such as mandatory license suspension and heavy surcharges, even if they are eventually found not guilty of the actual DUI.
Can someone be charged with a DUI if they aren’t caught behind the wheel?
Yes. Officers can pursue a conviction based on circumstantial evidence and witness testimony. In this incident, the suspect was arrested at her home because the officer observed fresh damage on her vehicle, the engine hood was still warm to the touch, and witnesses identified her as the driver who fled the scene earlier.
What are the consequences of leaving the scene of an accident involving only property damage?
Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-129, fleeing a scene after hitting a parked car is a serious traffic violation. For a first offense involving only property damage, a driver faces mandatory license suspension for up to six months, fines ranging from $200 to $400, and up to 30 days in jail at the court’s discretion.
How does “Reckless Driving” differ from “Careless Driving” in New Jersey?
Reckless driving (N.J.S.A. 39:4-96) is considered much more severe than careless driving because it implies a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. A conviction for reckless driving adds 5 points to a driver’s license and can lead to up to 60 days in jail for a first offense, whereas careless driving is typically seen as a less intentional error.
When is it legally mandatory to report a motor vehicle accident to the police?
New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-130) requires drivers to immediately report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Failing to report such an incident, as charged in this case, can lead to fines and the potential suspension of driving privileges by the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Conclusion & Current Status
Olga Podlog was processed at the Highlands Police Department and later released to a sober party. She faces multiple traffic summonses and is scheduled to appear in Highlands Municipal Court . While she pleaded with officers that the arrest would cost her her job at a hospital, the legal system will now determine the consequences of that fateful July evening .
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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