“What did I do wrong exactly? You can’t even look at me!”
This was the chilling cry during the Keansburg Mental Health Call Arrest that began as a plea for help and ended in a flurry of criminal charges in Keansburg, NJ.
What was supposed to be a standard response to a person in distress quickly spiraled into a chaotic confrontation at the police headquarters.
Table of Contents
Watch: Keansburg Mental Health Call Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:10:51 where the situation escalates as officers attempt to physically restrain the subject for transport.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began in the early morning hours of November 2, 2024, at approximately 2:51 AM. Officers Breheny and Matay of the Keansburg Police Department initiated a response for a “Mental/Suicidal” nature call.
The subject, identified as Destiny D. Wallace, was at the police headquarters on Carr Avenue. The atmosphere was immediately tense as Wallace expressed deep frustration over a stolen debit card and phone.
“I just want the rest of my money,” Wallace told the officers. She explained that she had been given a ride by someone she believed was drunk and that her property was now missing.
As Wallace’s volume increased, Officer Matay attempted to de-escalate the situation. “Take a seat for me,” the officer urged.
However, the Keansburg Mental Health Call Arrest took a dark turn when Wallace’s focus shifted from her missing property to the officers’ refusal to let her call her mother.
“I have a right to call my mom!” Wallace screamed repeatedly. The officers informed her she was being taken to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation (PESS).
The situation reached a breaking point when Wallace refused to stand up and began to physically resist the officers’ attempts to move her.
“Stop grabbing me!” she yelled as the sounds of a struggle were captured on the transcript. Officers eventually had to use force to secure her for transport, noting she was “caged” or placed in a secure area of the vehicle.
The Arrest: Charges Against Destiny D. Wallace
While the call began as a mental health check, Wallace’s actions during the encounter led to multiple criminal charges.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| Improper Behavior | Publicly acting in a way that disrupts order or causes alarm. | Fines or short-term jail time. |
| Obstructing Administration of Law | Interfering with a public official performing their official duties. | Up to 18 months in prison (NJ). |
| Resisting Arrest | Preventing a law enforcement officer from effecting a lawful arrest. | Up to 18 months in prison (NJ). |
Legal Analysis: Was the Keansburg Mental Health Call Arrest Justified?
The Keansburg Mental Health Call Arrest raises significant questions regarding the intersection of mental health crises and criminal law.
Fourth Amendment Check
Under the Fourth Amendment, police must have “probable cause” or a legal justification for a seizure. In mental health cases, NJ law allows officers to take a person into custody for screening if they believe the person is a danger to themselves or others. Wallace’s reported “Suicidal” nature provided the initial legal basis for the detention.
Police Protocol
The transcript shows officers repeatedly asking Wallace to sit down and “take a breath.” When a subject becomes combative during a mental health hold, protocol typically dictates the use of the minimum force necessary to ensure the safety of the individual and the officers.
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Here are five frequently asked questions regarding the legal and procedural aspects of this case:
What is a PESS Mental Health Call in New Jersey?
PESS stands for Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services. In New Jersey, when a call is classified as a “Mental Health Call” or “Suicidal” nature, officers are often dispatched to transport an individual to a screening center for a psychiatric evaluation. The goal is to determine if the person is a danger to themselves or others and requires immediate clinical intervention.
Can you be charged with Resisting Arrest during a mental health hold?
Yes. Even if the initial contact is for a medical or mental health welfare check, an individual can be charged with Resisting Arrest if they use physical force or threats to prevent an officer from performing their duties. In this case, although the call began as a mental health concern, the subject was charged with Resisting Arrest following a physical struggle during the attempted transport.
What does “Obstructing Administration of Law” mean in this context?
This charge typically applies when a person purposely prevents or attempts to prevent a public servant from lawfully performing an official function. During this incident, the subject’s refusal to cooperate with police instructions at headquarters and the subsequent escalation led to a charge of Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Government Function.
Does a person have a legal right to a phone call immediately upon detention?
While the subject in the transcript repeatedly demanded a “right to call my mom,” police protocols often delay phone calls until a subject is fully processed or stabilized, especially in mental health or high-tension scenarios. In a PESS transport situation, the priority is the safe delivery of the individual to a medical facility rather than providing immediate access to personal telecommunications.
What is the difference between “Improper Behavior” and “Disorderly Conduct”?
In this case, the subject was charged with Improper Behavior/Disorderly Conduct. Under New Jersey law, this generally covers actions that cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, such as using “unreasonably loud and offensive language” or engaging in “tumultuous behavior” in a public place like a police station.
Conclusion & Current Status
The incident was cleared by the Keansburg Police Department with a formal report required. Destiny D. Wallace was charged with one count each of Improper Behavior, Obstructing the Law, and Resisting Arrest.
The case remains marked as “ACT” (Active) as of the last report update.
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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