In a stunning display of impaired judgment, a New Jersey woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) following a motor vehicle accident, all while her son was on the way to meet her. The dramatic arrest, captured on shocking bodycam footage, shows the suspect struggling to complete basic field sobriety tests before being handcuffed and taken into custody. This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and makes for disturbing US crime news.
Table of Contents
Short Case Summary (Strong Hook)
A quiet New Jersey town was rocked by a motor vehicle accident that quickly escalated into a serious DWI investigation. The 64-year-old female driver, already involved in a crash, allegedly failed multiple field sobriety tests and had an open bottle of wine in her car. The most heart-wrenching moment? The suspect was arrested and booked right as her son arrived to take custody of her. This is a must-read for anyone following police arrest incidents.
What Happened Before Police Arrived
The incident occurred on January 25, 2024, at the intersection of Branch Avenue and Markham Place in Little Silver, NJ.
The suspect, identified as Margaret E. DiPaola, was driving her blue 2018 Mazda SUV.
According to the crash details gathered by the officers, DiPaola was attempting a right turn when she clipped the back of another vehicle that was stopped.
One officer noted that the damage to her front wheel was so severe it would impede her ability to travel.
The accident and her subsequent inability to clearly explain what happened sparked the initial DUI investigation.
Police Arrival & Key Bodycam Moments
Patrolman Morgan was the arresting officer on scene. Upon arrival, police observed the crashed vehicles and began the investigation.
- Suspect Impairment & Confusion: Patrolman Morgan noted that DiPaola couldn’t clearly state what had happened, initially claiming she didn’t know why they were in the situation. She repeatedly expressed confusion and annoyance, stating she was “just annoyed” and questioned why the police were there.
- The Open Container: An officer observed an open bottle inside DiPaola’s car. This open container was later identified as a bottle of wine. The officer noted the bottle was initially in the cup holder.
- Field Sobriety Test Failures: DiPaola was asked to exit her car for her own safety and to perform a series of tests.
- Reciting the Alphabet: She omitted letters and struggled to complete it.
- One-Leg Stand (OLS): She could not maintain the instructed position and failed to follow counting instructions.
- Walk-and-Turn (WAT): She repeatedly failed to maintain the required starting stance and struggled to comprehend the instructions. When she finally attempted the test, she took misaligned steps.
- The Arrest: Immediately after failing the tests, DiPaola was asked how much she had to drink. She was then informed she was under arrest for driving while intoxicated. She initially resisted, asking why she was being handcuffed and yelling for her son.
- Son’s Arrival: DiPaola was processed and ultimately released to her son, who had been contacted and arrived to take custody of her.
Can You Get a DUI on a Horse? – Check hear
Charges & Legal Explanation
Margaret E. DiPaola faced a total of three summonses:
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – N.J.S. 39:4-50
- The Charge: Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or drugs.
- The Justification: Based on the Alcotest results, which registered a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.208%—more than twice the legal limit of 0.08%—and her failure to complete the standardized field sobriety tests.
- Reckless Driving – N.J.S. 39:4-96
- The Charge: Driving a vehicle heedlessly, in disregard of safety.
- The Justification: She clipped a stopped car while making a turn, considered reckless due to intoxication.
- Open Container of Alcohol in Motor Vehicle – N.J.S. 39:4-51b
- The Charge: Possessing an open or unsealed container of alcohol in a vehicle.
- The Justification: An open bottle of wine was found in the cup holder.
Expert Opinion Section
The officers in this DUI investigation acted correctly and their decisions were justified.
- Correct Procedure: The officer correctly initiated a DUI investigation after observing the accident and DiPaola’s confused demeanor. The decision to remove the suspect from the road and proceed with Standardized Field Sobriety Tests was proper.
- Justified Decisions: The charges—DWI, Reckless Driving, and Open Container—are fully justified by the failed SFSTs, the 0.208% BAC, the motor vehicle accident, and the open wine bottle.
- Proper Legal Treatment: She was given multiple explanations of the tests despite her confusion. After the arrest, she was processed and released to her son. She was also given mandatory court dates and notice regarding her vehicle.
Final Outcome / What Happened in the End
Margaret E. DiPaola was arrested and transported to Little Silver Police Headquarters. She was processed and released to her son, who signed a release form.
Her blue 2018 Mazda SUV was towed to Central Towing in Redbank. State law requires a 12-hour hold on the vehicle after a DWI arrest.
She was released with summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, and Open Container.
Bodycam Video Link Section
Download the Full Police Report
👉 Click here to download the official police report (PDF) for this case.
What kind of son is he? He has to know his mother is a drunk incompetent to drive..has cognitive issues. Why doesn’t he drive to visit her? Take the car away from her.
He may not want anything to do with her. This is probably a lifelong problem that she refuses to address. He is not responsible for his alcoholic mother, those are her choices she is making. My personal view is DUI/DWI should be a felony and have a mandatory jail sentence and alcohol/drug treatment.
He is NOT responsible for this grown woman!! Good grief. You could see the anguish and embarrassment on his face when he came to pick her up.
Have you seen the way she acts? She’s probably just as entitled and abrasive as she is drunk. Besides, he has his family and own life. You don’t know for sure that he doesn’t drive to visit. She could be one those “butt in” type of personalities that horns her way into relatives’ lives.
It’s not up to the son in making it easy for his mom. I would assume she wanted to see him but failed to do it while being sober. Like many family members who love an addict, it just adds layers to the confusion and pain.
She created that mess, her son showed great restraint I think! She already had 1 DUI and Im sure this won’t be the last one our laws on DUI and DWI are too lax! I also think when they are that wasted and unable to balance they should just be given verbal tests. She could have fallen so many times.
She seems like a lonely woman with a cute dog and a drinking problem. No wonder her son lives more north. Thankfully no one was injured.
She’s addicted to alcohol. She needs help.