Middletown NJ DUI bodycam footage reveals a chaotic scene on Broad Street after a woman told officers her name was simply “Drunk” before kicking the windows of a patrol car.
The incident unfolded on the evening of September 4, 2025, in Middletown Township, New Jersey. Police responded to reports of a domestic dispute involving an intoxicated woman arguing with her uncle. What followed was a tense confrontation captured on camera, ending in multiple charges against 48-year-old Gail E. Alfano.
Table of Contents
Watch: Middletown NJ DUI Bodycam Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:07:10. This is the moment the suspect refuses to identify herself, sarcastically telling the officer, “My name is Drunk”.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The situation began around 7:46 PM when Middletown Police received a call about a woman causing a disturbance at a residence on Sunset Avenue. The caller reported that the woman, identified as Gail Alfano, was intoxicated and arguing with her uncle.
The Traffic Stop
As officers converged on the area, Officer Schwedes spotted a red Honda Civic turning onto Broad Street. The vehicle made a wide turn, nearly striking the rear of another patrol car driven by Officer Flannigan.
Officer Schwedes immediately initiated a traffic stop. When he approached the vehicle, Alfano admitted fault, immediately saying she was sorry. However, the officer quickly noted signs of impairment. Her eyes were glossy, and there was a strong odor of alcohol.
“My Name is Drunk”
The interaction quickly escalated. When officers asked Alfano to step out of the car, she was unstable on her feet. Officer Schwedes noted she was “swaying” and had “trouble maintaining balance”.
In the bodycam transcript, Alfano is heard shouting at neighbors and officers. When asked for her name, she refused to cooperate.
“What is your name?” the officer asked.
“Drunk. You’re drunk,” she replied.
“You don’t want to give your name drunk?” the officer asked.
“I don’t want to call you drunk. You want my name is drunk,” she retorted.
Escalation and Transport
Officers placed Alfano under arrest for Disorderly Conduct and suspicion of DUI. The situation remained volatile during transport to headquarters.
According to the police report, Alfano began kicking the glass of the prisoner compartment and screaming profanities at the officers. The transcript captures her screaming, “Stop! Take them off!” referring to her handcuffs, and making threats toward the officers.
The Arrest: Charges Against Gail Alfano
The suspect was processed at Middletown Police Headquarters. She faces several serious charges ranging from traffic violations to criminal disorderly conduct.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| DUI (39:4-50) | Driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. | Fines, license suspension, potential jail time. |
| Refusal to Submit (39:4-50.4A) | Refusing to take a breathalyzer test when ordered by police. | Automatic license revocation, heavy fines. |
| Disorderly Conduct (2C:33-2B) | Engaging in fighting, threatening, or violent behavior in public. | Fines, potential jail time, criminal record. |
| Reckless Driving (39:4-96) | Driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety. | Fines, points on license, possible jail. |
| Careless Driving (39:4-97) | Driving without due caution (less severe than reckless). | Fines, points on license. |
| Improper Parking (39:4-135) | Parking in a prohibited direction or manner. | Traffic fine. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Middletown NJ DUI Bodycam Arrest Justified?
The Initial Stop
Under the Fourth Amendment, police need “reasonable suspicion” of a traffic violation or crime to stop a vehicle. In this case, the police report states that Alfano’s vehicle “nearly hit the rear of Ptl. Flannigan’s patrol vehicle” while turning. This provided clear probable cause for the stop based on unsafe driving.
Establishing Probable Cause for DUI
Once the stop occurred, officers needed probable cause to arrest for DUI. They cited three key factors:
- Admission: Alfano explicitly stated, “I got drunk to call her out,” and later, “I am definitely drunk”.
- Observation: Officers noted her “glossy eyes,” “slurred speech,” and the “odor of alcohol”.
- Physical Indicators: She was swaying and required assistance to keep from falling.
Refusal to Submit
New Jersey operates under “Implied Consent” laws. By driving on NJ roads, you agree to submit to chemical testing if arrested for DUI. The report indicates Alfano refused the breath test at headquarters. This refusal triggers a separate charge (39:4-50.4A) which often carries penalties as severe as the DUI itself [Link to NJ Statute 39:4-50.4A].
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FAQs related to the charges in this case
What does a DUI charge mean in this case?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge means the police believe the driver was operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In New Jersey, officers can charge a driver based on physical behavior—like swaying or slurring words—even if they haven’t taken a breath test yet.
Can you legally refuse a breathalyzer test?
In New Jersey, you can physically refuse, but there are legal consequences. This is called “Refusal to Submit”. Because of “Implied Consent” laws, driving on the road means you have already agreed to be tested if arrested. Refusing the test often leads to automatic license suspension and fines, separate from the DUI charge itself.
Why was she charged with Disorderly Conduct?
Disorderly Conduct covers behavior that disturbs the peace or alarms the public. In this specific case, the charge was added because the suspect was yelling profanities at neighbors and officers, and acting aggressively in public, not just because of her driving.
Did the suspect stay in jail after the arrest?
No. After being processed and charged at the police station, she was released. In cases like this, the police often release the person to a responsible adult—in this instance, her son—who signs a liability form promising to take care of them.
What happened to her car?
Her car was towed and impounded under “John’s Law”. This law allows police to hold the vehicle of a suspected drunk driver for up to 12 hours to prevent them from getting back behind the wheel while still intoxicated.
Conclusion & Current Status
Following her processing at headquarters, Gail Alfano was charged and released. According to the report, she was released on a summons to the custody of her son, Daniel Alfano, after he signed a Potential Liability Warning form.
Her vehicle was towed from the scene under “John’s Law,” which mandates the impoundment of vehicles involved in DUI arrests to prevent the accused from driving again immediately.
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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