A late-night drive through Marine Park ended in handcuffs after a Red Bank DWI Accident left a trail of property damage and a local bartender facing serious charges. The incident, captured on bodycam, shows the moment a routine accident investigation turned into a criminal arrest.
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Watch: Red Bank DWI Accident Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:07:30 where the suspect attempts the one-leg stand and loses balance immediately.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The chaos began on the night of May 7, 2025, at approximately 11:25 PM. Red Bank Police Officer Darren M. McConnell responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident at 1 Marine Park.
Upon arrival, the scene revealed a vehicle that had collided with multiple trees. The driver, who identified herself as a local bartender, admitted to having “one drink” earlier in the night.
“The speech sounds a little bit slurred tonight,” Officer McConnell noted during the initial contact. Despite the driver’s claim of being “practically in balance,” her performance on the scene told a different story.
As the Red Bank DWI Accident investigation shifted to a sobriety check, the suspect struggled with basic instructions. She repeatedly failed to keep her feet in the heel-to-toe position required for the walk-and-turn test.
The situation escalated when she attempted the one-leg stand. After only counting to seven, she lost her balance completely, nearly falling over.
The Arrest: Charges Against Haddad
Following the failed tests, officers determined the driver was too impaired to operate a vehicle safely. She was placed under arrest and her vehicle was processed at the scene.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 2100 D.W.I. | Driving While Intoxicated | License suspension, fines, and possible jail time. |
| MV Accident | Property damage resulting from a crash | Fines and insurance rate increases. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Red Bank DWI Accident Justified?
From a legal standpoint, Officer McConnell followed standard police protocol throughout the encounter. The Fourth Amendment requires “reasonable suspicion” to conduct a stop and “probable cause” for an arrest.
In this Red Bank DWI Accident case, the physical evidence of the crash (hitting trees) provided immediate reasonable suspicion to investigate. The driver’s slurred speech and admission of alcohol consumption further justified the transition to field sobriety tests.
Under New Jersey law, a driver’s failure to maintain balance during standardized tests—combined with the circumstances of an accident—creates the probable cause necessary for a DWI arrest.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
Here are 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that are connected to the charges in this case:
Can a bartender lose their job after a DWI arrest in New Jersey?
Yes, an arrest can impact employment even if the incident happened outside of work hours. While a DWI is classified as a traffic offense in New Jersey and not a criminal crime, many employers in the service industry have “moral character” clauses or safety standards in their contracts. If a job requires a clean driving record or the employer feels the arrest reflects poor judgment, it could lead to suspension or termination.
Who is responsible for paying for the trees damaged in Marine Park?
In New Jersey, any accident causing property damage over $500 must be reported to the police. Since the vehicle hit public property (trees), the driver or their insurance company is typically liable for the repair or replacement costs. New Jersey follows a “comparative negligence” rule, but since this was a single-vehicle accident involving stationary objects, the driver is likely 100% at fault for the property damage.
Does admitting to having “one drink” protect you from a DWI charge?
Not necessarily. In fact, admitting to alcohol consumption gives the officer “reasonable suspicion” to conduct further testing. In New Jersey, you can be convicted of a DWI even if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is below the 0.08% limit if the officer can prove your “senses were deluded” through slurred speech or failed physical tests.
What is the difference between Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) and a Breathalyzer?
Field Sobriety Tests, like the “one-leg stand” or “walk-and-turn,” are voluntary in New Jersey, and there is no specific legal penalty for refusing them. However, once you are arrested, New Jersey’s “Implied Consent” law requires you to submit to a Breathalyzer (Alcotest). Refusing the breath test at the station carries automatic penalties, including license suspension and heavy fines, which are often separate from the DWI charge itself.
How long will this incident stay on a New Jersey driving record?
Unlike some states where offenses can be expunged, a DWI conviction in New Jersey remains on your driving record indefinitely. While the law treats a subsequent DWI as a “first offense” if 10 years have passed since the last one (known as the “step-down” rule), the original record is never fully erased and can still be seen by insurance companies and some employers.
Conclusion & Current Status
The suspect was transported to headquarters and the case was cleared by adult arrest. Records indicate the incident was officially logged as a “50DWI MV Accident and DWI”.
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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