A routine afternoon at Lincoln School turned into a high-stakes police investigation when a Westfield NJ School Pickup DWI suspect allegedly arrived to collect her children while heavily intoxicated.
The principal of the school raised the alarm at approximately 3:52 PM on September 20, 2023. Jenny Stepanov, a 45-year-old mother, had reportedly arrived 30 minutes late to pick up her children.
When Officer Donald Perkins arrived, he found Stepanov standing by the front door. What followed was a series of field sobriety tests performed right in front of the school as children were being released.
Table of Contents
Watch: Westfield NJ School Pickup DWI Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:03:03 where the suspect asks, “Am I under arrest?” despite the officer attempting to keep the scene calm for the children’s sake.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began when the school principal noticed Stepanov’s speech was slow and slurred. The principal also reported detecting the odor of alcoholic beverages on her person.
Officer Perkins noted that a strong odor of alcohol emanated from Stepanov’s mouth as soon as she spoke. When asked why she was late, Stepanov replied, “I fell asleep, I drove alone.”
Her children were present at the scene, with one sitting in a 2018 Chevy Suburban parked on Westfield Avenue. The Westfield NJ School Pickup DWI investigation intensified as officers worked to ensure the children’s safety.
The children were eventually turned over to their nanny, Karem Casses, after the father was contacted at his workplace in New York City. Only after the children were safely removed from the area did officers begin the formal testing.
The Arrest: Charges Against Jenny Stepanov
After failing multiple roadside tests, Stepanov was handcuffed and transported to police headquarters. An inspection of the patrol car afterward revealed a strong odor of alcohol that was not there before the transport.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (NJ) |
| N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 | Driving While Intoxicated (Liquor or Drugs) | License loss, heavy fines, possible jail |
| Summons 2020 E23 008533 | Formal court notice for DUI | Mandatory court appearance |
Legal Analysis: Was the Westfield NJ School Pickup DWI Justified?
From a legal perspective, the officers followed a “community caretaking” and “reasonable suspicion” protocol. The initial report from a reliable witness (the school principal) provided the legal basis for the stop and inquiry.
The Westfield NJ School Pickup DWI investigation utilized three standard tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): Stepanov showed clues in both eyes, failing to track a stimulus smoothly.
- One Leg Stand: She was observed swaying while attempting to maintain balance.
- Walk and Turn: She failed to maintain the starting position and even performed the test walking backwards.
At headquarters, the Alcotest revealed a Blood Alcohol Concentration (B.A.C.) of 0.17%. In New Jersey, this is more than double the legal limit of 0.08%. The 20-minute continuous observation rule was strictly followed before the test was administered.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
five frequently asked questions related to the legal procedures and circumstances surrounding this case:
What is “John’s Law” and how does it apply to vehicle impoundment?
In New Jersey, “John’s Law” allows police to impound a vehicle for at least 12 hours when the driver is arrested for a DWI. This is done to prevent the individual from regaining access to the vehicle and driving again while still potentially intoxicated.
What is the legal significance of the “Twenty-Minute Observation” period?
Before administering an Alcotest, officers must monitor the subject for 20 continuous minutes to ensure they do not ingest anything, regurgitate, or place objects in their mouth. This ensures the breath sample is pure and the B.A.C. reading (which was 0.17 in this case) is scientifically accurate for court.
Why is the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) notified in these cases?
When a DWI incident involves the potential operation of a vehicle with children present or occurs during a child-related activity like school pickup, police are required to notify child welfare services. They assess whether the incident poses a broader risk to the children’s safety and well-being.
What is a “Potential Liability Form” in a DWI release?
When an intoxicated person is released from police headquarters, they must be turned over to a “sober adult”. That adult must sign a form acknowledging they are taking responsibility for the individual and are aware of the potential liability if they allow that person to operate a motor vehicle again while still impaired.
Can field sobriety tests be performed on school property?
Yes, if an officer has reasonable suspicion of impairment, they can conduct tests at the scene of the encounter, including school parking lots or sidewalks. In this case, the officer moved the suspect to a more private area (the side of a patrol car) to conduct the tests away from the immediate view of children.
Conclusion & Current Status
Jenny Stepanov was released into the custody of her husband, Basil Stepanov, after he signed a Potential Liability Form. The police also notified the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) due to the nature of the incident occurring during school pickup.
She is scheduled to appear in Westfield Municipal Court on October 3, 2023, at 9:00 AM.
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 and transcripts from case 23-42061.
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