A routine Saturday night patrol turned into a major Keansburg DUI Arrest after a driver slammed into a pedestrian sign right in front of an officer. Jennifer Parsells, 48, was taken into custody in Keansburg, New Jersey, after her blood alcohol levels were found to be three times the legal limit. The emotional scene, caught on camera and detailed in police records, shows a woman spiraling out of control after a reported breakup.
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Watch: Keansburg DUI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:15:50 where the suspect stumbles and nearly falls, ending the field tests immediately.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began on February 11, 2023, at approximately 9:30 PM. Ptl. Tyler Manges was parked at the Shamrock bus station when he saw a grey Jeep Patriot strike a crosswalk sign near the Henry Hudson trail.
The driver didn’t stop to check the damage. Instead, she turned onto Hancock Street, where Ptl. Manges initiated the Keansburg DUI Arrest stop.
When the officer approached the window, Parsells immediately began to cry. She told the officer she was going through a “rough time” in her life.
She fumbled through her paperwork for several minutes, unable to find her driver’s license. During the exchange, officers noted a strong odor of alcohol and observed that her eyes were bloodshot and watery.
The Arrest: Charges Against Jennifer J. Parsells
Parsells was handcuffed and transported to headquarters for processing.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 39:4-50 | Driving Under the Influence | License loss, heavy fines, possible jail time |
| Reckless Driving | Driving with willful disregard for safety | Fines and points on license |
| Leaving the Scene | Failing to stop after hitting property | Fines and license suspension |
Legal Analysis: Was the Keansburg DUI Arrest Justified?
From a legal standpoint, the Keansburg DUI Arrest appears to follow strict protocol.
Fourth Amendment Check: The stop was justified because the officer personally witnessed a motor vehicle violation—specifically, the Jeep striking a pedestrian sign and leaving the scene. This provides “reasonable suspicion” for the initial stop.
Police Protocol: Officers utilized the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), including the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) and the Walk and Turn test. The suspect showed a “lack of smooth pursuit” in her eyes and was unable to maintain her balance during instructions.
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5 frequently asked questions (FAQs) indirectly related to the charges in this case
What happens if a driver cannot provide a physical license during a stop?
In this case, the driver was unable to locate her license after searching for several minutes. While officers may verify identity through a database if a name and date of birth are provided, failing to exhibit a valid driver’s license is a separate motor vehicle violation in many jurisdictions.
Can a vehicle be released to a third party after a DUI arrest?
Yes, if the owner or a responsible party arrives at police headquarters. In this incident, the registered owner (the driver’s mother) provided proper documentation, signed a potential liability form, and paid a $50 fee to have the vehicle released from the tow tag.
How does striking property, like a sign, affect a traffic stop?
Striking a pedestrian crosswalk sign provided the “reasonable suspicion” needed for the officer to initiate the stop. Leaving the scene after such an impact can lead to additional charges beyond the primary suspicion of driving under the influence.
What are the observation requirements before an Alcotest?
Standard procedure requires an observation period to ensure the subject does not have foreign objects in their mouth or vomit, which could skew the results. In this case, an officer conducted a formal observation period before administering the Alcotest 9510.
Does a “rough time” or emotional distress serve as a legal defense for a high BAC?
While the driver repeatedly mentioned she was “upset” and going through a “rough time” due to a breakup, these factors are not legal justifications for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Legal standards focus on the chemical breath test results, which in this instance were 0.24%, far exceeding the legal limit.
Conclusion & Current Status
The most damning evidence in this Keansburg DUI Arrest was the Alcotest 9510 result. Parsells provided a breath sample that registered a 0.24% BAC—exactly three times the legal limit of 0.08%.
She also repeatedly informed officers that she had “peed her pants” during the ordeal. Parsells was released to her mother, Lydia Gallopo, who had to pay a $50 fee to get the vehicle released from the tow yard. Parsells was given a court date of February 23, 2023.
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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