“Because you reek of alcohol,” a Highlands police officer tells a woman hiding in the backseat of a Lexus SUV, marking the climax of a high-stakes Highlands NJ Hit and Run DWI investigation in Highlands, New Jersey. What started as a report of a vehicle swerving through Fair Haven ended with a tense roadside confrontation and a driver switching seats to avoid capture.
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Watch: Highlands NJ Hit and Run DWI Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:01:21 where the witness reveals the suspects switched seats after the ferry pickup.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The chaos began on the afternoon of August 1, 2023, when dispatchers received a frantic 911 call from a witness on River Road in Fair Haven. A silver Lexus SUV was reportedly swerving violently, knocking over garbage cans, and hitting the curb.
The caller followed the vehicle over the Oceanic Bridge into Highlands, reporting that the driver almost struck a bicyclist during the pursuit. The silver Lexus eventually pulled into the Seastreak Ferry parking lot.
Highlands Police Officer Alvator intercepted the vehicle as it attempted to exit the lot. However, there was a catch: a man, John Dunigan, was now behind the wheel. His wife, Patricia Dunigan, was lying down in the backseat.
“My wife had driven the vehicle from home, to pick him up at the ferry,” John Dunigan initially told the officer. The officer noted moderate damage to the front passenger side of the Lexus.
When confronted, Patricia Dunigan denied any hit and run, claiming she only “struck a garbage can”. The officer immediately noticed her slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol.
“You’re assuming,” Patricia challenged when the officer asked about her intoxication. The officer responded firmly, “You reek of alcohol. That’s why I’m asking”.
The scene grew more tense as Patricia struggled with field sobriety tests. She was unable to maintain her balance during the One-Leg Stand and failed to follow instructions during the Walk and Turn test.
The Arrest: Charges Against Patricia Dunigan
Following the failed tests, Patricia was placed in double-locked handcuffs and transported for an Alcotest. Her Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was recorded at .091%, which is above the New Jersey legal limit of .08%.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 39:4-50 (DWI) | Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. | Fines, license suspension, and possible jail time. |
| 39:4-96 (Reckless Driving) | Driving with a willful disregard for the safety of others. | Fines, points on license, and potential imprisonment. |
| Hit and Run | Leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage. | Fines and potential license revocation. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Highlands NJ Hit and Run DWI Justified?
From a legal perspective, the stop and subsequent arrest appear to follow strict New Jersey police protocols.
- Fourth Amendment Check: The officer had “reasonable suspicion” to conduct the stop based on the 911 caller’s real-time play-by-play and the visible damage to the vehicle that matched the report.
- The Seat Switch: Under New Jersey law, the “operation” of a vehicle can be proven through witness testimony and circumstantial evidence. The witness’s statement that Patricia was the driver during the hit and run provides the necessary link for the DWI charge.
- Standardized Procedure: The officers conducted three standard tests: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, One-Leg Stand, and Walk and Turn. Patricia’s lack of cooperation and physical instability provided the “probable cause” needed for the arrest.
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5 FAQs related to the case and its charges
Can an arrest be made if the officer did not personally witness the suspect driving?
Yes, under the “operation” principle, if a credible witness provides a detailed description of the driver and their actions, police can establish probable cause. In this case, a witness observed the suspect exit the driver’s seat and move to the rear of the vehicle before police arrived.
Does striking a garbage can and leaving the scene count as a “Hit and Run”?
Yes, striking any property—including a garbage can—is considered a motor vehicle accident. New Jersey law requires drivers to remain on the scene and report property damage; failing to do so constitutes leaving the scene of an accident.
What are Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and how do they impact a DWI charge?
SFSTs are physical tests like the “One-Leg Stand” and “Walk and Turn” used to evaluate a driver’s balance and coordination. Failing these tests due to swaying or being unable to follow instructions provides the officer with the legal basis to believe the driver is intoxicated.
Is the Alcotest result (BAC) the only factor in a DWI arrest?
While a BAC over the legal limit of 0.08% is a major factor, the arrest is also based on physical observations. Officers look for signs like slurred speech, the odor of alcohol, and an “unsteady” gait during the investigation.
What happens to a vehicle after a DWI arrest is made at the scene?
When a driver is arrested for a DWI, the vehicle is typically impounded to ensure safety. In this instance, a towing service was notified to remove the silver Lexus from the intersection.
Conclusion & Current Status
Patricia Dunigan was processed at Highlands Police Department headquarters. After being issued multiple summonses, she was released into the custody of her husband, who signed a Potential Liability form. The case is now moving through the New Jersey judicial system under status “NCI”.
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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