The Union Beach Domestic Dispute Arrest began with a late-night 911 call that led officers to a quiet church parking lot where a relationship spiraled out of control.
Police arrived at the Holy Family Church in Union Beach, NJ, at 1:38 a.m. to find a couple in the middle of a heated confrontation. What started as an argument over “spending time together” quickly turned into a criminal investigation for simple assault.
Table of Contents
Watch: Union Beach Domestic Dispute Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:15:20 where the officer confirms physical marks on the victim, officially escalating the situation from a verbal dispute to a physical assault arrest.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The scene was set under the cover of darkness at 727 State Route 36. Patrolman Sweeney arrived to find a male and female arguing near a vehicle.
According to the transcript, the victim claimed the suspect jumped out of the car and began acting “crazy.” The victim told officers he had to pull over because the situation inside the car was becoming “too much.”
As officers separated the two, the story began to fracture. The male involved claimed the suspect “swung on” him after he tried to push her away from his car door to keep her from slamming it.
The suspect, later identified as Erianna Mullinax, admitted to being “very sensitive” and “a little crazy” during the encounter. She claimed the argument started because of a lack of respect and issues involving their two-year-old child.
“I’m not gonna lie to you,” the suspect told the officer. “This is my fault.”
The Arrest: Charges Against Erianna Mullinax
After observing marks on the victim’s neck, officers determined that a Union Beach Domestic Dispute Arrest was mandatory under New Jersey domestic violence protocols. Mullinax was taken into custody and transported to headquarters.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| Simple Assault | Purposely or knowingly causing bodily injury to another. | Up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine. |
| Disorderly Conduct | Engaging in improper behavior or offensive language in public. | Up to 30 days in jail. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Union Beach Domestic Dispute Arrest Justified?
From a legal standpoint, the officers followed strict New Jersey “Pro-Arrest” domestic violence policies. Under the Fourth Amendment, the stop was justified as the officers responded to a 911 call of a “Disorderly Person” in progress.
Once Officer Sweeney observed physical injury—the “marks on the neck”—the legal threshold for probable cause was met. In New Jersey, if an officer sees signs of injury during a domestic call, an arrest is often required by law, regardless of whether the victim wants to press charges.
Mullinax’s own admission of hitting the victim with a “closed fist” or “open fist” further solidified the state’s case.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
5 frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the charges in the Union Beach case:
What is a Victim Notification Form (VNF), and why is it used?
A VNF is a document used by law enforcement to ensure that victims are informed of their rights and kept updated on the status of the case. In this incident, officers required the victim to complete one to maintain proper documentation of the encounter.
What does a “10-41” code mean in police radio logs?
In this specific department’s radio logs, “10-41” is used to indicate that a subject is being transported or is in custody. For example, the logs show the suspect was “10-41 TO HQ” and later “10-41 IS IN CELL 3”.
How does a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) score affect a suspect’s release?
A PSA score is a tool used by courts to determine the likelihood of a defendant committing a new crime or failing to appear in court. Officers in this case noted that if the suspect had a low score and no recent “crazy rap sheet,” she would likely be released shortly after processing.
Can a suspect be charged if the victim does not want a restraining order?
Yes, the decision to file criminal charges, such as simple assault, is handled by the state based on evidence of physical marks or admissions. Even though the victim in this case specifically stated he did not want a restraining order, the suspect was still arrested and charged based on the officer’s observations.
What role does a “CCH” check play during a police booking?
A CCH (Computerized Criminal History) check is a search of a person’s prior arrests and convictions. In this case, the police completed a CCH for the suspect, Erianna Mullinax, as part of the formal arrest and involvement process.
Conclusion & Current Status
Erianna Mullinax was processed at Union Beach headquarters and placed in Cell 3. Because her “PSA score” was expected to be low and she lacked a significant recent criminal record, officers anticipated her release within hours of processing.
The victim declined a restraining order at the time of the arrest. Mullinax is currently awaiting a court date to answer for the simple assault charge.
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.
Don’t Rely on Their Word Alone In this case, conflicting stories led to an arrest. The only way to prove your innocence in a traffic stop is with your own 4K evidence. Protect yourself this holiday season. 🎄 Click Here