The Monmouth Beach DWI Arrest of a 40-year-old woman began with a dangerous midnight swerve across Ocean Avenue and ended with a staggering list of failed sobriety tests.. On December 13, 2025, in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, Patrolman Matthew Golembieski observed a blue Ford Edge SUV drifting over shoulder lines and jerking back into traffic.. What followed was a textbook case of a driver struggling to maintain basic motor skills as police conducted a high-stakes roadside investigation..
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Watch: Monmouth Beach DWI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:08:12 in the transcript where the driver apologizes for being unable to follow the officer’s stimulus during the eye test..
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began at 12:09 AM when Patrolman Golembieski was watching traffic near Central Road.. He spotted a blue SUV heading south that couldn’t stay in its lane.. The vehicle drifted over the solid white shoulder line twice and then crossed the double yellow center lines..
When the officer approached the window, he was met with the strong smell of alcohol.. The driver, Stephanie Tjarks, had bloodshot, watery eyes and droopy eyelids.. Despite her claims of only having two glasses of wine at “Val’s Tavern” two hours earlier, her speech was slurred..
The officer noted a major red flag when Tjarks claimed the tavern was in Sea Bright.. The officer knew the establishment was actually located in Rumson.. This confusion, combined with her “jerked” driving maneuvers, led to the start of the field sobriety tests..
Roadside Reality: The Failed Sobriety Tests
The testing took place on a flat concrete sidewalk under the dark night sky.. Tjarks struggled from the very beginning, unable to even stand with her feet together as instructed..
During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the officer observed a total of $6/6$ clues of impairment.. Her eyes could not smoothly follow the officer’s red-light pen..
The Walk and Turn test was even more difficult for the suspect.. Tjarks:
- Stepped off the line 10 times during her second set of steps..
- Missed “heel-to-toe” contact on 24 different steps..
- Took 24 steps instead of the requested nine..
- Failed to count her steps out loud despite multiple reminders..
In total, she showed $7$ out of $8$ possible clues of impairment during the walking test.. During the One Leg Stand, she lost her balance so badly she stumbled backward and had to step behind herself to stay upright.. Finally, during the Modified Romberg Balance test, her internal clock was so sped up that she thought 30 seconds had passed in only 17 seconds..
Breathalyzer Results: Behind the Numbers
After being placed under arrest and transported to headquarters, Tjarks was monitored for a 20-minute observation period.. She was read the Standard Statement for breath samples, to which she reportedly replied, “It’s so confusing.”.
Eventually, she provided two breath samples into the Alcotest 9510 machine.. The results confirmed the officer’s suspicions..
- Reported BAC Result: 0.127%.
- NJ Legal Limit: 0.08%
The reading was well above the legal limit in New Jersey, leading to immediate processing and the impounding of her 2015 Ford Edge..
The Arrest: Charges Against Stephanie Tjarks
The following charges were issued based on the observations and evidence collected during the stop..
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| 39:4-50 | Driving Under the Influence | Fines, license suspension, and mandatory IDRC |
| 39:4-96 | Reckless Driving | Fines, points, and potential jail time |
| 39:4-97 | Careless Driving | Fines and points on driving record |
| 39:4-88B | Unsafe Lane Change | Fines and insurance surcharges |
Legal Analysis: Was the Monmouth Beach DWI Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, Patrolman Golembieski established strong “Reasonable Suspicion” for the initial stop.. In New Jersey, swerving within a lane and crossing shoulder lines are valid reasons for a traffic stop..
The “Probable Cause” for the arrest was built through the totality of circumstances: the odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the failure of nearly every field sobriety test.. The officer followed strict 20-minute observation protocols before administering the Alcotest, which is critical for the evidence to hold up in court..
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
5 frequently asked questions regarding the legal standards and procedures connected to the charges in this case
What is the difference between “Reckless Driving” and “Careless Driving” in New Jersey?
While both involve unsafe driving, Reckless Driving (39:4-96) is a more serious offense involving a “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others, often carrying heavier fines or potential jail time. Careless Driving (39:4-97) is generally defined as driving without due caution in a manner likely to endanger a person or property, but without the specific intent or “willfulness” required for a reckless charge.
Why was the driver charged with “Unsafe Lane Change” if there were no other cars nearby?
Under statute 39:4-88B, a driver is required to drive as nearly as practicable within a single lane and shall not move from that lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety. In this case, the officer observed the vehicle crossing the white shoulder line twice and the yellow center line once, which constitutes a failure to maintain a single lane regardless of surrounding traffic.
Does a driver have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test in New Jersey?
New Jersey has an “implied consent” law, meaning by operating a vehicle on state roads, you agree to submit to breath samples. If a driver refuses, they can face separate, severe penalties similar to a DWI conviction, including license suspension and fines. In this incident, the driver initially expressed confusion but ultimately agreed to provide the samples.
What is the significance of the “20-minute observation period” mentioned in the report?
Police are required to observe a suspect for a continuous 20 minutes before administering an Alcotest to ensure the subject does not ingest anything, vomit, or regurgitate, which could contaminate the breath sample and provide a false reading. The officer in this case logged the observation period starting at 00:35 hours to ensure the validity of the 0.127% BAC result.
What is “John’s Law” and why was the vehicle impounded?
“John’s Law” allows New Jersey police to impound the vehicle of an individual arrested for DWI for up to 12 hours. This is a preventative measure to ensure the arrested person cannot immediately return to the vehicle and drive while still intoxicated. The vehicle can usually only be released earlier to a responsible third party who signs a liability warning.
Conclusion & Current Status
Stephanie Tjarks was processed at the Monmouth Beach Police Department.. She was eventually released into the custody of Leticia De Oliverira Gomes, who signed a potential liability form acknowledging Tjarks was not to operate a vehicle until sober.. Her court appearance was set for January 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM..
Download Police Report click here.
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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