Montville DUI Bodycam footage captures the chaotic moments after a New Jersey driver was found stranded with two flat tires, claiming she had been waiting for help for over an hour.
The incident, which took place on Route 46 West in Montville Township, quickly escalated from a routine motorist aid call into a full-blown DUI investigation. Police discovered a 31-year-old woman, Aakriti Thakur, sitting in a disabled Acura with significant wheel damage and an inconsistent story. What started as a claim of hitting a “curb” ended with a failed breathalyzer test and multiple charges.
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Watch: Montville DUI Bodycam Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:08:19 where the suspect is asked to look at her bumper damage and admits she isn’t sure if the scuff marks were there prior to the accident.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The Scene on Route 46
It was approximately 3:25 AM on July 16, 2023, when Officer Michael Thomas was dispatched to Route 46 West near the Avalon development entrance.
Fairfield Police had already spotted the vehicle—a gray 2016 Acura ILX—earlier in their own town before finding it disabled in Montville an hour later. The vehicle was in bad shape. Both passenger-side tires were completely blown out, rendering the car undriveable.
When officers approached, they found Aakriti Thakur behind the wheel. She claimed she was driving home from Morristown after meeting a friend for dinner.
The Investigation Begins
The Montville DUI Bodycam audio reveals the driver’s confusion. She told officers she had been sitting there for “about an hour” waiting for her insurance company, Plymouth Rock, to send a tow truck.
However, the officers immediately noticed red flags. Officer Thomas reported a “strong odor of alcohol” coming from the vehicle and noted that Thakur’s eyes appeared “glassy and bloodshot”.
When asked if she had been drinking, Thakur admitted to having “two glasses of wine” about two hours prior. This admission gave officers the reasonable suspicion needed to proceed with a more invasive investigation.
The Field Sobriety Tests
Officers asked Thakur to step out of the vehicle to inspect the damage. As she exited, the Montville DUI Bodycam shows her stumbling before regaining her balance—a critical indicator of impairment noted in the police report.
Officer Cooney initiated Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). The situation deteriorated quickly during the instructions.
During the “Walk and Turn” test, Thakur struggled to follow directions. She failed to connect her feet heel-to-toe on multiple steps and raised her arms for balance, which is contrary to the instructions given.
The “One Leg Stand” test yielded similar results. Thakur put her foot down multiple times, failing to maintain the required position for the duration of the count.
The Breathalyzer Results
Thakur was placed under arrest at 3:54 AM and transported to police headquarters.
At the station, she consented to a breathalyzer test using the Alcotest 7110 MKIII-C. After an initial failure to provide enough air volume, she successfully provided two samples.
The results were conclusive: 0.11% BAC, well above the legal limit of 0.08%.
The Arrest: Charges Against Aakriti Thakur
Following the investigation captured on the Montville DUI Bodycam, Aakriti Thakur faced serious motor vehicle charges.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US/NJ) |
| DUI (39:4-50) | Operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. | License suspension, fines ($300-$500), IDRC classes, and potential ignition interlock device. |
| Reckless Driving (39:4-96) | Driving with a willful or wanton disregard for safety. | Up to 60 days jail, fines ($50-$200), and 5 points on license. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Montville DUI Bodycam Arrest Justified?
Reasonable Suspicion and Probable Cause
In this Montville DUI Bodycam case, the legal threshold for the stop was already met because the vehicle was disabled on the side of the road. This falls under the “community caretaking” function of police work.
Once the officers engaged with Thakur, the distinct odor of alcohol and her admission to consuming wine provided the Reasonable Suspicion necessary to detain her for Field Sobriety Tests.
The Breath Test Procedure
The police report details a strict adherence to New Jersey protocol. Officer Thomas conducted a 20-minute observation period starting at 4:35 AM to ensure Thakur did not burp, regurgitate, or put anything in her mouth, which could skew the test results.
The machine was calibrated correctly, and the samples were within tolerance. This procedural accuracy makes it difficult for defense attorneys to challenge the scientific evidence of the 0.11% BAC.
John’s Law (The 12-Hour Hold)
You may notice in the video or transcript that officers mention Thakur cannot drive for 12 hours.
This refers to John’s Law (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.22), which mandates that police impound the vehicle of a DUI arrestee for 12 hours and requires the arrestee to be released to a responsible sober adult who signs a potential liability warning.
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5 FAQs connected to the charges in this case (DUI & Reckless Driving)
What is “John’s Law” and why was the vehicle impounded for 12 hours?
In New Jersey, “John’s Law” mandates that police must impound the vehicle of a driver arrested for DUI for a minimum of 12 hours. This is a preventative measure to ensure the individual does not return to the vehicle and drive while still intoxicated. Even if the driver is released from custody earlier, the car must remain impounded for the full 12-hour window.
What liability does a person face when picking up a DUI arrestee?
When a friend or family member comes to pick up someone charged with DUI (like Robert Corrao did in this case), they are often required to sign a “Potential Liability Warning” form. By signing, they accept responsibility for the arrestee and acknowledge that if they allow the intoxicated person to drive within the 12-hour holding period, they could be held criminally or civilly liable if an accident occurs.
Do I have to report a DUI arrest to my employer?
In the transcript, the suspect explicitly asks if the police will report the arrest to her workplace. Generally, police do not affirmatively notify employers of a DUI arrest unless the individual holds a specific professional license (like a medical or commercial driver’s license) or works in a sensitive government position. However, DUI arrests are public records, and some employment contracts require self-reporting of any arrests or convictions.
What is “Implied Consent” and what happens if you refuse the breathalyzer?
Although Aakriti Thakur eventually complied, the officer warned her that “refusal is admitting guilt.” Under New Jersey’s Implied Consent laws, any person who operates a vehicle on state roads is deemed to have given consent to chemical testing. Refusing a breath test is a separate offense that carries penalties similar to, or sometimes more severe than, a DUI conviction itself, including license suspension and fines.
Why is “Reckless Driving” often charged alongside DUI?
Thakur was charged with Reckless Driving (39:4-96) in addition to DUI. This is a common “companion charge” in New Jersey. Prosecutors often argue that driving while intoxicated inherently constitutes a “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others. While a DUI focuses on the driver’s physiological state (BAC), Reckless Driving focuses on the danger their driving conduct posed to the public.
Conclusion & Current Status
Aakriti Thakur was processed and eventually released from custody at 6:40 AM.
She was released into the care of a friend, Robert Corrao, who signed the necessary liability waiver accepting responsibility for her safety. Her vehicle was towed to Ajaco Towing and placed under a mandatory 12-hour impound hold.
Thakur was issued a mandatory court appearance notice for the Montville Municipal Court on July 25, 2023, to face her charges.
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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