The Scene: What Happened on September 16, 2023?
On a Saturday evening in September 2023, Hoboken Police were dispatched to the parking garage at 333 River Street. The call was serious: an unresponsive female was behind the wheel of a running vehicle. What officers found upon arrival set in motion a standard, yet telling, DUI investigation.
The individual was identified as Ami Bulsara, a 28-year-old woman. According to the police report, officers discovered her slouched over in the driver’s seat of her grey 2009 Toyota Highlander, with the ignition on. She was unresponsive, with “large amounts of vomit on her face, shirt and pants.” The officers noted a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” emanating from the vehicle.
This was the starting point of a case that would involve a Field Sobriety Test, a refusal to take a breathalyzer, and a subsequent arrest. Let’s break down the key events based on the official documentation.
A Step-by-Step Account from the Reports and Bodycam
The narrative from the police report, combined with the dialogue from the bodycam transcript, paints a detailed picture of the interaction.
1. The Initial Discovery and Wake-Up
Officers managed to open the driver’s side door, held Bulsara’s head upright, and turned off the ignition. At this point, she regained consciousness. Her first words, according to the report, were an apology and a statement that she “wanted to go home.” The bodycam transcript captures her disoriented state, with her speech described as slow and her eyes watery and glassy. Crucially, she is heard stating, “I was drunk, and I say… what were you doing sleeping in the car? No. Okay. And I know I, Okay.”
2. The Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs)
Bulsara denied medical attention, leading Officer Fitzgibbons to administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). The bodycam transcript reveals a struggling and uncooperative subject.
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test: The officer reported a “lack of smooth pursuit” and “distinct and sustained nystagmus” in both eyes, classic indicators of intoxication. The transcript shows Bulsara had difficulty following instructions, repeatedly asking to call her brother instead of focusing on the test.
- Walk and Turn (WAT) Test: This test never properly began. The officer’s report states Bulsara could not maintain the required heel-to-toe stance during the instructional phase. The bodycam audio confirms this, capturing her inability to follow directions. Her frustration peaks, and she is heard saying, “I don’t care just arrest me.”
3. The Arrest and Processing
Taking her statement and her performance as evidence, Officer Fitzgibbons placed Bulsara under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. She was transported to police headquarters.
At the station, the process continued:
- Refusal of Breath Test: Bulsara was read the New Jersey Attorney General Standard Statement, which outlines the serious penalties for refusing a breath test. The transcript shows she initially seemed to understand but ultimately stated, “I refuse and I accept, but I that means I me whatever… I don’t want to.” This resulted in an additional charge for Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test.
- Miranda Rights: She was read her Miranda Rights and refused to answer any questions.
- Release: At approximately 11:06 PM, her brother, Ajay Bulsara, arrived at the headquarters, signed the DWI Potential Liability Form, and took custody of Ami. He was advised she could not access her vehicle for 24 hours.
The Charges Filed
Ami Bulsara was officially issued two summonses:
- Summons # KA013726: Driving While Intoxicated (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50)
- Summons # KA-013725: Refusal to Submit to a Breath Test (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.4A)
Analysis & Opinion: Was the Arrest Handled Correctly?
From a procedural standpoint, the Hoboken Police Department’s actions appear to be by the book and justified. Here’s an analysis:
What the Police Did Right:
- Thorough Documentation: The police report is detailed, noting specific clues from the HGN test, the condition of the suspect, and the environment. This creates a strong paper trail for prosecution.
- Patience in Adversity: The bodycam transcript reveals an officer who, despite facing a verbally disruptive and uncooperative subject, repeatedly demonstrated the tests and attempted to explain the instructions multiple times.
- Clear Escalation: The officer did not immediately arrest Bulsara upon finding her. He attempted to conduct a proper investigation through FSTs. The arrest was triggered by her explicit inability to perform the tests and her own statement, “I don’t care just arrest me,” which gave the officer probable cause.
- Adherence to Protocol: Reading the Standard Statement for the breath test refusal is a critical legal step, and the transcript confirms the officer completed this thoroughly, ensuring the refusal charge would hold up in court.
Potential Areas for Public Scrutiny:
- Perception of Pressure: Some may watch the bodycam footage and feel the process was intimidating. Bulsara’s repeated pleas to call her brother highlight her distress. However, the officer’s insistence on completing the tests before allowing the call is standard procedure to prevent outside influence or coaching on what to do during the FSTs.
- The “Unconscious” Start: A key question is whether Bulsara had actually driven the vehicle while intoxicated or simply used it as a shelter. New Jersey’s DWI law is strict; being in “physical control” of a vehicle while intoxicated, even if not seen driving, can be sufficient for a charge. The fact that the car was running and she was in the driver’s seat strongly supports the prosecution’s case.
The Final Verdict: Based on the available evidence, the police conducted a professional and legally sound investigation. They responded to a public safety concern, followed established protocols for DUI detection, and documented everything meticulously. While the situation was undoubtedly stressful for Ami Bulsara, the officers’ actions were focused on gathering evidence to support the charges, which they successfully did.
View the Evidence for Yourself
To form your own opinion, you can review the primary sources:
- Watch the Bodycam Video: [Insert your YouTube video link here]
- Review the Police Report: [Link to the uploaded
Ami-Bulsara-Police-Reports.pdffile on your blog]
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and personal consequences of driving under the influence, and the rigorous procedures law enforcement follows to ensure our roads are safe.