A high-ranking law enforcement official found himself on the other side of the law after a late-night crash. The Sea Bright Police Chief Brett Friedman DUI Arrest occurred in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, after his city-owned vehicle slammed into a utility pole and fire hydrant. Internal documents and bodycam transcripts reveal a tense scene where fellow officers had to investigate one of their own.
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Watch: Sea Bright Police Chief Brett Friedman DUI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:24:00 where the investigating officer detects signs of impairment and informs the Chief he is being placed under arrest.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began at approximately 11:18 PM on November 29, 2024. Monmouth Beach Patrolman Peter Farmer was called to Ocean Avenue for a single-vehicle crash. When he arrived, he found a blue 2020 Ford Explorer resting on rocks and brush.
The vehicle, which was city-owned, had struck a curb, a fire hydrant, and a Verizon utility pole. The impact was so violent that the front and side airbags deployed. Inside the vehicle of a Detective Sergeant sat Brett Friedman, the Police Chief of Sea Bright.
Friedman claimed a deer ran out and another car swerved into his lane, causing him to lose control. However, Officer Farmer noticed immediate red flags. The Chief’s eyes were bloodshot, his face was flushed, and his speech was slurred. Because of the “conflict of interest,” the Monmouth Beach Police Department took over the investigation.
Field Sobriety Tests: “I Can’t Make a Determination”
Officer Farmer led Friedman to a nearby parking lot to conduct field sobriety tests. The conditions were flat and well-lit. But the tests did not go smoothly.
During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, Friedman repeatedly squinted and moved his head. Officer Farmer had to tell him multiple times to stay still. Ultimately, the officer recorded that he could not make a determination on that specific test because of the Chief’s movements.
The physical tests showed more signs of trouble. On the “Walk and Turn,” Friedman started before he was told to begin. He failed to touch his heel to his toe on most steps and took only six steps instead of nine on the first leg. On the way back, he stumbled and lost his balance.
During the “One Leg Stand,” Friedman raised his arms for balance immediately. Despite being told to keep his hands at his sides, he continued to use them to stay upright. At that point, the investigating officer determined there was enough evidence for an arrest.
The Refusal: Why the 20-Minute Observation Restarted Six Times
The drama continued at the police headquarters. To get a valid breathalyzer sample, New Jersey law requires a 20-minute observation period where the suspect does nothing to interfere with the machine.
Friedman allegedly sabotaged this process. He repeatedly walked around and coughed. He even went into the bathroom to take sips of water, which is strictly prohibited. Officer Farmer had to restart the 20-minute timer six different times.
Finally, Farmer warned the Chief that if he coughed one more time, it would be charged as a refusal. Minutes later, Friedman coughed again. He was then officially charged with refusing to submit to a breath test.
The Arrest: Charges Against Brett Friedman
Friedman was processed and later released to the custody of an individual who signed a potential liability warning.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 39:4-50 (DUI) | Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. | Fines, license suspension, and potential jail time. |
| 39:4-50.4 (Refusal) | Refusing to provide a breath sample for testing. | Mandatory license suspension and ignition interlock device. |
| 39:4-96 (Reckless Driving) | Driving with a willful disregard for safety. | Fines, points on license, and potential imprisonment. |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Sea Bright Police Chief Brett Friedman DUI Arrest Justified?
From a legal perspective, the Sea Bright Police Chief Brett Friedman DUI Arrest appears to follow standard New Jersey police protocol for suspected intoxication.
Fourth Amendment Check: The initial contact was justified by a motor vehicle accident involving significant property damage. In the US, a crash provides “reasonable suspicion” for an officer to investigate the driver.
Police Protocol: The officers correctly identified a conflict of interest by having an outside agency (Monmouth Beach) handle the investigation of the Sea Bright Chief. The use of standard field sobriety tests (HGN, Walk and Turn, One Leg Stand) is the national standard for establishing “probable cause” for a DUI arrest.
The “Refusal” charge is based on the “Implied Consent” law in New Jersey. By having a driver’s license, you agree to take a breath test if arrested for DUI. Purposely coughing or drinking water to reset the observation clock is often viewed by courts as a constructive refusal.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding the Brett Friedman Case
What happens if a driver refuses to take a breathalyzer test in New Jersey?
Under New Jersey’s “Implied Consent” law, by operating a vehicle on public roads, you have already agreed to submit to a breath test if arrested for a DUI. Refusing the test, or intentionally interfering with the 20-minute observation period (such as by drinking water or repeatedly coughing), typically results in an automatic “Refusal” charge. This charge carries penalties similar to a DUI, including mandatory license suspension and the required installation of an ignition interlock device.
Why was an outside police department brought in to handle this crash?
To ensure a fair and impartial investigation, law enforcement agencies often call in a different department when a “conflict of interest” exists. In this case, because the driver was the Police Chief of Sea Bright, the Monmouth Beach Police Department took over the scene to avoid any appearance of favoritism or bias during the arrest and processing.
What is the “20-minute observation period” mentioned in the police report?
Before a breathalyzer test (Alcotest) can be administered, an officer must observe the suspect for 20 continuous minutes. During this time, the suspect cannot eat, drink, smoke, or vomit, as these actions could contaminate the breath sample and lead to an inaccurate reading. If the suspect interrupts this period—for example, by taking sips of water—the officer must restart the timer from zero.
Can you be charged with a DUI if the officer didn’t see you driving?
Yes, an officer can make a DUI arrest based on “probable cause” found at the scene of a crash. Physical evidence like a damaged vehicle, deployed airbags, and property damage (such as a struck utility pole or fire hydrant), combined with signs of impairment like slurred speech or failing field sobriety tests, is often sufficient for an arrest even if the officer arrived after the vehicle stopped moving.
What is the Potential Liability Warning signed at the station?
When a person is arrested for a DUI, they generally cannot be released on their own; they must be picked up by a responsible adult. This adult must sign a “Potential Liability Warning” (often called a John’s Law form), which acknowledges that they are now responsible for the defendant and could be held legally liable if they allow the intoxicated person to operate a motor vehicle again immediately after release.
Conclusion & Current Status
Brett Friedman was 56 years old at the time of his arrest. He was released following his processing at the Monmouth Beach Police Headquarters. The vehicle, a 2020 Ford Explorer belonging to the Borough of Sea Bright, sustained heavy front-end damage and had to be towed from the scene.
The case remains a significant point of discussion regarding police accountability in New Jersey.
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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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