“I’m just going to try to make sure you’re okay to drive first,” Officer Christopher Fuentes tells a shivering driver during a high-stakes Red Bank NJ DWI Arrest.
The scene unfolded in the early morning hours of December 20, 2024, in a parking lot on Bridge Avenue. What started as a “very unusual” parking job quickly escalated into a full-blown criminal investigation.
This case has gone viral because it captures the raw, cold reality of field sobriety testing in real-time. From the suspect’s admission of drinking “three wines” to the struggle with balance in the freezing New Jersey air, every second was caught on camera.
Table of Contents
Watch: Red Bank NJ DWI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:10:18 where the situation escalates as the driver repeatedly fails to follow instructions for the “Walk and Turn” test .
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began at approximately 1:20 AM when Officer Fuentes observed a vehicle park in a highly unusual manner. He approached the driver, later identified in records as the suspect, and immediately noted the lack of paperwork for the “brand new” car.
“I actually think the reason why you pulled over over here and you pulled up short, my friend, was that my boyfriend?” the driver asked, attempting to joke with the officer. Officer Fuentes was not amused, noting that her parking was “very unusual”.
When asked if she had been drinking at “Gabrielle’s,” the suspect admitted to having “a little bit”. She eventually estimated she had “two glass or three wines” since arriving at the venue around 11:00 PM.
The investigation took a turn when the officer spotted a mysterious substance in the car. “Oh, that’s something like my grandmother’s heroin. I guess so,” the suspect remarked, before the officer clarified it appeared to be a glass of wine.
The Red Bank NJ DWI Arrest process began in earnest as the suspect stepped out into the cold. She struggled through three specific Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs):
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): The suspect repeatedly moved her head despite instructions to only move her eyes.
- Walk and Turn: The suspect began the test before being advised to do so and expressed significant anxiety.
- One-Leg Stand: Despite switching from heels into “Uggs” for better balance, she struggled to maintain the position while counting.
By 1:52 AM, the officer determined the driver was not fit to operate the vehicle. She was placed in handcuffs and informed her car would be impounded for 12 hours under “John’s Law”.
The Arrest: Charges Against Suspect
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ First Offense) |
| D.W.I. (2100) | Driving While Intoxicated | Fines, License Suspension, IDRC |
| Summons/Arrest | Official notice of criminal charge | Mandatory Court Appearance |
Legal Analysis: Was the Red Bank NJ DWI Arrest Justified?
Fourth Amendment Check: The officer’s initial contact was justified by the “unusual” parking and behavior observed in a public parking lot. Under the Fourth Amendment, an officer needs reasonable suspicion to conduct an investigatory stop. The driver’s admission to consuming alcohol provided further “probable cause” to transition from a welfare check to a DWI investigation.
Police Protocol: Officer Fuentes followed standard NHSTA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) protocols by offering the suspect the chance to remove her heels to ensure a fair “Walk and Turn” and “One-Leg Stand” test. He also correctly cited John’s Law, a New Jersey statute that requires police to impound the vehicle of a DWI arrestee for 12 hours to prevent them from driving again while still intoxicated.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding the Context of the Case
What is “John’s Law” in New Jersey, and why was the vehicle impounded?
In New Jersey, “John’s Law” requires law enforcement to impound the vehicle of any person arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) for a minimum of 12 hours. This mandate is designed to prevent individuals from potentially returning to their vehicle and driving again while still under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Is it mandatory for a driver to perform field sobriety tests like the “Walk and Turn”?
While an officer can request these tests to determine if a driver is safe to operate a vehicle, they are generally used to build “probable cause” for an arrest. In this specific case, the officer used three standardized tests: the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, the Walk and Turn, and the One-Leg Stand to assess the driver’s impairment.
Can footwear choices, such as high heels, impact the results of sobriety testing?
Yes, police protocol often accounts for footwear that might interfere with balance, such as high heels. In this incident, Officer Fuentes specifically asked the driver if she wanted to switch into flatter shoes like “Uggs” to ensure the testing process was as fair and accurate as possible.
How does a driver’s admission of alcohol consumption affect a roadside investigation?
Admitting to consuming alcohol, such as the “three glasses of wine” mentioned in this transcript, provides immediate evidence for the officer to expand a simple traffic stop into a criminal DWI investigation. Such admissions are recorded via bodycam and are often used as key evidence in court proceedings.
What does it mean when a police report states a case is “Ready for DA”?
When a report is marked as “Ready for DA” (District Attorney) or “Cleared by Adult Arrest,” it indicates that the initial police investigation is complete and the evidence has been gathered. The case is then handed over to the prosecution to determine the formal legal charges and move forward with a court date.
Conclusion & Current Status
The suspect was cleared by adult arrest and transported to headquarters for processing. Her vehicle was held under the mandatory 12-hour impound period. The case is currently marked as “NEW” and “Ready for DA” in police records.
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 from the Red Bank Police Department.
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