[Vineland Teen DWI Arrest] investigations took a stunning turn this Halloween when police uncovered seven empty high-alcohol cocktails in the backseat of a 19-year-old’s car.
The incident occurred on October 31, 2025, in Vineland, New Jersey. What started as a report of a reckless driver tailgating motorists turned into a viral bodycam moment involving a “beauty school” student, a baffling excuse about car registration, and a blood alcohol level well over the legal limit.
Table of Contents
Watch: Vineland Teen DWI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:31:00. This is the moment officers pull multiple 12.5% ABV “Cutwater” cans from the vehicle, contradicting the driver’s claim that she hadn’t been drinking.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The situation began around 8:33 PM on Halloween night. Officer Theuret of the Franklin Township Police was flagged down by a concerned citizen. The witness reported a green Hyundai Elantra driving erratically.
Officer Theuret located the vehicle as it crossed into Vineland city limits. According to police reports, the driver was “tailgating the vehicle in front of them and failing to maintain their lane.”
The “Beauty School” Defense
Vineland Officer Tiyon Cephas arrived on the scene at E. Wheat Road and N. East Avenue. He found 19-year-old Jessica Arriaga-Cruz behind the wheel.
When asked for her documents, Arriaga-Cruz struggled. The bodycam transcript reveals a confusing exchange where she told officers, “I’m a girl, and I don’t know what it looks like,” referring to her registration.
She claimed she was driving home from Shore Beauty School. However, later in the investigation, she admitted to officers that she had actually dropped out on her first day.
The Discovery
Officers noticed a “heavy odor of alcoholic beverages” coming from the car. Arriaga-Cruz claimed she had dropped a friend off at a liquor store earlier and that the friend left the open containers in her car.
Police didn’t buy it. A search of the backseat revealed seven empty cans of “Cutwater” margaritas. These weren’t standard drinks; they were 355ml cans with 12.5% alcohol by volume.
Failed Tests
Officer Daniel Miller, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, arrived to perform sobriety tests. The reports state Arriaga-Cruz had glassy eyes and eye tremors.
During the “Walk and Turn” test, she could not keep her balance. During the “One Leg Stand,” she put her foot down.
A breathalyzer test later confirmed a BAC of 0.12%. This is significantly higher than the 0.08% limit for adults and the 0.01% “zero tolerance” limit for drivers under 21 in New Jersey.
The Arrest: Charges Against Jessica Arriaga-Cruz
Arriaga-Cruz was arrested and transported to Vineland Police Headquarters. She faces multiple serious charges.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US/NJ) |
| DWI (39:4-50) | Driving while drunk. | License suspension, fines, IDRC classes. |
| Underage DWI (39:4-50.14) | Driving with alcohol in system under 21. | License suspension (30-90 days), community service. |
| Reckless Driving (39:4-96) | Driving with willful disregard for safety. | Fines up to $200, points on license, possible jail. |
| Open Container (39:4-51B) | Having open alcohol in the car. | Fine of $200 for first offense. |
| Lane Violation (39:4-88) | Swerving or unsafe lane changes. | Fines and points on license. |
| Tailgating (39:4-89) | Following another car too closely. | Fines and points on license. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Vineland Teen DWI Arrest Justified?
Fourth Amendment Check: The Stop
The initial stop appears legally sound based on “Reasonable Suspicion.” A citizen tip combined with the officer’s direct observation of tailgating and swerving provides ample legal grounds to pull a driver over. In New Jersey, erratic driving is a primary indicator used to justify DWI investigations.
Probable Cause for Search
Did the officers have the right to search the car? Yes. The “Plain View Doctrine” likely applies here. Officer Cephas noted he could see alcoholic containers and spilled liquid on the floor mat when he shined his flashlight.
Additionally, the “heavy odor” of alcohol coming from the vehicle and the driver’s person provides “Probable Cause” to search for further evidence of intoxication.
New Jersey’s “John’s Law”
The police report notes the vehicle was towed for a “12-hour hold per John’s Law”. This is a mandatory New Jersey statute (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.22). It requires police to impound the vehicle of a DWI arrestee for 12 hours to prevent them from driving again while still intoxicated. The officers followed this protocol strictly.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the alcohol limit different for drivers under 21?
Yes. In New Jersey, there is a “zero tolerance” policy for underage drivers. While the legal limit for adults is 0.08% BAC, drivers under 21 can be charged if their blood alcohol content is just 0.01% or higher. In this case, the driver was 19 years old and had a BAC of 0.12%.
Why do police tow the car for 12 hours after an arrest?
Police follow a rule known as “John’s Law” (N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.22). This law requires officers to impound the vehicle of a driver arrested for DWI for a minimum of 12 hours. This ensures the driver cannot get back into their car and drive while still intoxicated after being released.
Can I get charged for having empty alcohol cans in the car?
Yes. You can be charged with violating the “Open Container” law (39:4-51B) if an unsealed container of alcohol is found in the passenger area of the vehicle. It does not matter if the container is empty or if a passenger was the one drinking; if it is open and accessible to the driver, it is illegal.
What tests do police use to prove a driver is intoxicated?
Police use Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to establish probable cause for an arrest. In this case, officers used three specific tests:
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Checking for involuntary eye jerking.
Walk and Turn: Testing balance and ability to follow instructions while walking a straight line.
One Leg Stand: Testing balance by holding one foot up while counting.
Am I responsible if I am driving someone else’s car?
Yes. The person operating the vehicle is responsible for following all traffic laws, regardless of who owns the car. In this incident, the driver was operating her sister’s vehicle. However, she was the one arrested and charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and other offenses because she was the one in control of the wheel.
Conclusion & Current Status
Jessica Arriaga-Cruz was processed at Vineland Police Headquarters. She was negative for active warrants. Her mother responded to the station to sign a liability form, and Arriaga-Cruz was released into her custody.
She is scheduled to appear in Vineland City Municipal Court on November 18, 2025, at 9:00 AM to answer to these charges.
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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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