A routine welfare check escalated into a chaotic police arrest for DWI and refusal to submit to testing after officers spotted the suspect pulling up to the home. The 18-year-old woman, Stephanie Starr, was belligerent, uncooperative, and visibly impaired, leading to a struggle with officers, which included her kicking one of them. Her boyfriend, Anthony Judice, and his brother, Rocco Giannotti, were initially evasive and seemed to be attempting to cover for her to avoid escalating the domestic incident.
Table of Contents
😠 What Happened Before Police Arrived
The incident began as a welfare check request made by a third-party caller, Kenzo Vazquez.
Kenzo, identified as the boyfriend of Stephanie Starr’s cousin, reported that Stephanie and her boyfriend, Anthony Judice, were at the address and intoxicated.
Kenzo, who was FaceTiming Stephanie, claimed the situation worsened when Anthony took the phone from her hand and disconnected the call, leading Kenzo to request a welfare check because he was worried about Stephanie.
Anthony told officers that he and Stephanie had a verbal argument because she had been going out with her female cousin, who was allegedly a bad influence and known to get heavily intoxicated, leading to bouts of infidelity. Anthony stated the argument never became physical and Stephanie left the scene prior to police arrival.
He was unsure if she walked or drove but speculated she might have gone to a Wawa to “cool off.”
🚔 Police Arrival & Key Bodycam Moments
Upon arriving at the residence on Sandstone Ct., officers met Anthony Judice and his brother, Rocco Giannotti.
Both confirmed the argument was strictly verbal and that Stephanie had left.
Anthony, whose breath smelled of alcohol, was initially nervous and evasive when asked about Stephanie’s whereabouts, even changing his story about whether she walked or drove.
While speaking to the men, a silver sedan drove toward the residence and parked.
Rocco identified the driver as possibly Stephanie.
As officers approached the vehicle, they confirmed Stephanie Starr, age 18, was in the driver’s seat of the actively running car.
Key moments from the tense encounter:
- Odor and Impairment: When Stephanie rolled down her window, a strong odor of alcohol came from the vehicle. Officers noted her pupils were dilated, she smelled strongly of alcohol, and she was irrational and visibly impaired.
- Confrontation and Refusal: Stephanie was instantly confrontational, repeatedly refused instructions to step out of the car, and kept lying to the officers.
When asked to perform Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), she said, “No, I don’t want to hear that stuff so close,” and refused. - The HGN Test: Sgt. Burke attempted the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, but she refused to cooperate. Anthony’s brother Jeff was brought over to persuade her, but she screamed, “I would like my lawyer!” and continued refusing.
- Arrest and Assault: Due to visible impairment and refusal to cooperate, she was placed under arrest for DWI. During the arrest, she kicked an officer.
- Open Containers: A search of the vehicle revealed four Jim Beam whiskey shooters, two of which were open.
⚖️ Charges & Legal Explanation
Stephanie Starr was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses:
- DWI (NJSA 39:4-50) – based on strong alcohol odor, pupil dilation, slurred speech, irrational behavior, and partial HGN test indicators.
- Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing (NJSA 39:4-50.2) – she repeatedly refused breath samples even after being read the implied consent law.
- Reckless Driving (NJSA 39:4-96) – driving in a dangerous manner.
- Careless Driving (NJSA 39:4-97) – driving without due caution.
- Open/Unsealed Container of Alcohol (NJSA 39:4-51B) – open whiskey shooters found in the car.
🧑🎓 Expert Opinion Section
The officers’ actions in this DUI investigation were correct and legally justified.
- Justification: Her physical signs of impairment, odor of alcohol, refusal of FSTs, and open containers provided clear probable cause.
- Legal Treatment: She was properly read her Miranda rights and the Implied Consent law.
- Handling the Situation: Officers remained patient despite her hostility. Bringing family members to calm her was a reasonable de-escalation tactic.
She also received an assault on officer charge for kicking an officer.
🛑 Final Outcome / What Happened in the End
Stephanie Starr was arrested for DWI and related offenses.
She was transported to the Barnegat Police Department, searched, and placed in a holding cell.
She again refused the breath test and was issued multiple summonses.
Her 2006 Hyundai Sonata was impounded for 12 hours under John’s Law.
She was later released to Rocco Giannotti after he signed a liability form promising she would not drive that night.
The official police report was logged into the evidence system for future discovery.
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