The Highlands NJ DWI Arrest Zenia Rodriguez began with a white Honda Accord drifting dangerously across State Route 36 in the early morning darkness. Officer Kevin Connor watched as the vehicle failed to maintain its lane multiple times before pulling it over near Linden Avenue. What started as a routine traffic stop at 1:01 AM quickly spiraled into a criminal investigation that ended with a flat “No” at the police station.
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Watch: Highlands NJ DWI Arrest Zenia Rodriguez Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:03:51 where the situation escalates as Rodriguez attempts to recite the alphabet without singing.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The encounter began when Officer Connor noticed Rodriguez traveling at a “slow rate of speed” in the right lane of Route 36 North. As he followed, the white 4-door Honda crossed the marked lines repeatedly. Once the emergency lights were activated, Rodriguez came to a stop.
When the officer approached the driver’s side, he was immediately met with the “odor of an alcoholic beverage”. Rodriguez’s hand movements were described as slow as she fumbled for her license and registration. Her eyes appeared watery to the investigating officer.
When asked where she was coming from, Rodriguez stated she had been at “Proving Ground”. She admitted to the officer that she had consumed “one drink”. This admission, combined with the driving behavior, prompted a full roadside investigation.
The field sobriety tests (SFSTs) took place on a level sidewalk and a slightly declining roadway. Rodriguez first struggled with the alphabet test. Despite being told not to sing it, she repeatedly failed to complete the sequence correctly. “A b c d e f, g nine and g,” she told the officer during one attempt.
During the “Walk and Turn” test, the officer noted multiple “clues” of impairment. Rodriguez could not maintain the starting position while the officer gave instructions. She failed to touch her heel to her toe, used her arms for balance, and did not count her steps out loud as instructed.
The final test, the “One Leg Stand,” proved equally difficult. Rodriguez placed her foot on the ground multiple times for balance. After several attempts and re-demonstrations by the police, the officer determined she was under the influence.
The Arrest: Charges Against Zenia Rodriguez
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 39:4-50 | Driving Under the Influence (DWI) | License suspension, fines, and potential jail time. |
| 39:4-50.4 | Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing | Mandatory license suspension and heavy surcharges. |
| 39:4-96 | Reckless Driving | Points on license and significant fines. |
| 39:4-88 | Failure to Maintain Lane | Fines and potential insurance rate hikes. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Highlands NJ DWI Arrest Zenia Rodriguez Justified?
As a legal expert analyzing this case, the Fourth Amendment protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. In this instance, Officer Connor’s observation of “failing to maintain a lane” provided the necessary reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop.
The officer followed standard New Jersey police protocols by administering the three primary SFSTs. A critical moment occurred at the Atlantic Highlands Police Department. Under N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.2, any person who operates a motor vehicle on New Jersey’s public roads is deemed to have given “implied consent” to breath testing.
Rodriguez was read her Miranda Rights and the “Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators”. When she was told the law required her to provide a breath sample, she replied “No” twice. In New Jersey, a refusal is often treated as harshly as a high-level DWI conviction in court.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “John’s Law” and why was the vehicle towed?
Under New Jersey law, specifically N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.22 (commonly known as John’s Law), police are required to impound any vehicle operated by a person arrested for DWI for a minimum of 12 hours. This is a mandatory safety measure designed to prevent the individual from regaining access to their vehicle and driving again while still potentially impaired.
Can I be charged with “Refusal” if I simply remain silent?
In New Jersey, a driver must provide an affirmative “Yes” when asked to submit to a chemical breath test. Anything other than an unequivocal “Yes”—including remaining silent, delaying, or answering with “No”—is legally considered a refusal. Once the officer explains the consequences and asks again, a second “No” results in an immediate Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing charge.
What does “Failing to Maintain Lane” mean in a legal context?
This charge (Statute 39:4-88) is often the “probable cause” used to initiate a traffic stop. It occurs when a driver fails to keep their vehicle within a single lane or drifts over marked lines multiple times. While it is a minor traffic summons on its own, it frequently serves as a primary indicator for officers that a driver may be under the influence.
What are the requirements for a “Sober Party” to release an arrestee?
A person arrested for DWI cannot be released on their own recognizance; they must be released to a sober party. This individual must be physically present at the station, prove they are sober, and sign a document taking legal responsibility to ensure the arrestee does not operate a motor vehicle for the remainder of the impoundment period.
Why do officers ask if you know the alphabet during a DWI stop?
While not a physical “maneuver” like standing on one leg, the alphabet recital is a divided attention task. It tests a subject’s ability to follow specific instructions—such as reciting from A to Z without singing—while under stress. Failure to complete the sequence correctly, or falling back on “singing” the letters, is used by officers as a clue of mental impairment.
Conclusion & Current Status
Following the arrest, Zenia Rodriguez was searched and transported to the police station. Her vehicle was towed by “Johnny U’s Towing” under John’s Law, which requires a mandatory 12-hour impoundment for DWI arrests.
Rodriguez was processed and eventually released to a “sober party” with a pending appearance in the Highlands Municipal Court. The case remains active as she faces four separate summonses related to the incident.
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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