A routine traffic stop in Keansburg, New Jersey, turned into a high-stakes Keansburg NJ DUI Arrest when a driver blew more than twice the legal limit.. The incident escalated rapidly after Robyn Fitzgerald was pulled over for driving without her headlights on.. Officers quickly noticed signs of intoxication that the driver could not hide..
Table of Contents
The Initial Stop: Driving in the Dark
The encounter began on June 15, 2024, at approximately 12:50 AM.. Patrolman Hunter Macdonald spotted a Jeep Patriot flying past him with its lights completely off..
The officer initiated a stop at the intersection of Main Street and Magnolia Place.. When he approached the driver, identified as Robyn Fitzgerald, the signs of trouble were immediate..
Fitzgerald’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and her speech was heavily slurred.. The officer also reported a strong smell of alcohol coming from her breath..
Field Sobriety Tests: The “MS” Defense
Lt. Angerami arrived on the scene to assist with Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs).. Before the tests began, Fitzgerald admitted to having “a couple” of drinks, later specifying three drinks over six hours..
The situation became tense during the physical tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Fitzgerald struggled to follow the officer’s pen with her eyes, moving her head despite repeated instructions..
- Walk and Turn: She was unable to maintain her balance in the starting position.. After taking several non-heel-to-toe steps, she stopped and said, “I just can’t do it.”.
- The Defense: When asked about her physical condition, Fitzgerald revealed she had Multiple Sclerosis (MS).. She claimed the condition made her weak and affected her balance..
Despite her explanation, she failed to hold her foot up for more than two seconds during the one-leg stand test..
Watch: Keansburg NJ DUI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:05:41 where the situation escalates. This is the moment Fitzgerald reveals her MS diagnosis after failing the walk and turn test.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
After the failed field tests, Lt. Angerami concluded that Fitzgerald was under the influence.. Patrolman Macdonald placed her in handcuffs and searched her vehicle..
Inside the Jeep, officers discovered an open alcoholic beverage.. Fitzgerald’s vehicle was towed from the scene while she was transported to police headquarters..
At the station, Fitzgerald had to spit out a mint before the official observation period began.. She then agreed to provide breath samples for the Alcotest machine..
The Breathalyzer Results: 0.171% BAC
The results of the breath test were definitive. Fitzgerald provided two samples showing a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.171%.. This is more than twice the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| 39:4-50 | Driving Under the Influence | License suspension, heavy fines, and possible jail time. |
| 39:3-47 | Lamps Required | Fines for driving without headlights. |
| Open Container | Alcohol in Vehicle | Additional fines for having an open drink in the car. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Keansburg NJ DUI Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the officers followed standard operating procedures. The initial stop was justified under the Fourth Amendment because the vehicle was operating without headlights at night, a clear traffic violation..
The transition to a DUI investigation was supported by “reasonable suspicion” based on the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and glassy eyes.. While MS can affect balance, the high BAC reading of 0.171% provides the state with strong evidence that the impairment was caused by alcohol, not just a medical condition..
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five frequently asked questions related to the charges and police procedures
What is “John’s Law” in New Jersey, and how did it apply to this case?
John’s Law allows New Jersey police to impound the vehicle of a person arrested for DUI for up to 12 hours to prevent them from driving again while still intoxicated. In this instance, Robyn Fitzgerald’s Jeep was towed by an AM/PM towing service, and she was only released after a responsible party, Samantha Irizarry, signed a potential liability warning.
Can a medical condition like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) be used as a defense for failing a Field Sobriety Test?
While physical conditions can affect performance on balance-based tests, they do not excuse a high Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). During the stop, Fitzgerald stated she had MS and “couldn’t do” the walk-and-turn test ; however, her subsequent breath test result of 0.171% BAC provided independent evidence of impairment regardless of her physical condition.
Why do officers check a suspect’s mouth before a breathalyzer test?
Police must conduct a continuous 20-minute observation period to ensure the suspect does not ingest anything or have foreign objects in their mouth that could skew the breathalyzer results. In this case, Lt. Angerami discovered Fitzgerald had a mint in her mouth, which she was required to spit out before the observation period and the Alcotest could proceed.
Is a 0.171% BAC considered a high level of intoxication in New Jersey?
Yes, a 0.171% BAC is more than double the legal limit of 0.08% in New Jersey. Under NJ Statute 39:4-50, a BAC of 0.10% or higher often results in more severe penalties, including longer periods of ignition interlock device requirements and higher fines compared to lower-level offenses.
Was the initial stop legal if it was only for a minor equipment issue?
Yes, under the Fourth Amendment, police are authorized to conduct a motor vehicle stop if they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation. The reporting officer noted that Fitzgerald “flew past” with her lights off, which constitutes a violation of statute 39:3-47 (Lamps Required), providing a lawful reason for the initial interaction.
Conclusion & Current Status
Robyn Fitzgerald was processed and later released to a friend, Samantha Irizarry, under the regulations of John’s Law.. Both were warned about the potential liabilities of operating a vehicle after a DUI arrest..
Fitzgerald was issued e-ticket #E24-1468 and given a court date of June 27, 2024, at Keansburg Municipal Court..
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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