Woman Arrested for DWI After Ignoring Earlier Warning From Another Officer

Future Arrest for DWI

Around 10:45 PM on May 29, 2023, Patrolman Nicholas Brady with the Avalon Police Department observed a white 2016 Jeep exit the Wawa at 2701 Ocean Drive without any headlights. He made a U-turn and began following the vehicle, as the driver headed westbound on Avalon Boulevard. He initiated a traffic stop, and the driver pulled over in the shoulder. Patrolman Brady made contact with the driver of the Jeep, who was identified as Valerie. He told Valerie that she was driving without her lights and asked for her documents before returning to his patrol car.

Shortly afterwards, Patrolman Anthony DeCesero arrived on scene and informed Patrolman Brady that he had just instructed Valerie to leave the car parked in the Wawa parking lot because he was alerted that she was likely under the influence. Valerie disregarded his warnings and drove anyway. A review of the surveillance footage would later confirm Patrolman DeCesero’s account of events. Based on their suspicion of impairment, Valerie was asked exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety exercises.

Patrolman Brady started with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. During the HGN test, he observed the lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn test, and Valerie did not touch heel-to-toe on each step while turning improperly and taking an incorrect number of steps. The final exercise was the One Leg Stand Test. Valerie failed to raise her foot in the proper fashion and displayed a lack of balance.

Based on the account of events from the officer who had previously made contact with her, the odor of alcohol, and her inability to satisfactorily complete the field sobriety exercises, Valerie was placed under arrest. Her vehicle was later impounded for a 12-hour hold according to John’s Law. Patrolman Brady transported Valerie to the Avalon Police Department for further processing. At the station, she was read Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators and she refused to submit breath samples.

After they were finished processing Valerie, she was released to another party pending her court appearance after she signed the Potential Liability Warning on Valerie’s behalf. Patrolman Brady issued Valerie the following citations: Operating under the influence, refusal to submit to chemical test, and improper lighting

On June 2, 2023, Valerie was found guilty of operating under the influence. As a result of being found guilty, she had to spend 12 hours at an intoxicated driver resource center and pay a total of $640 in fines. The other 2 citations were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.

Court records indicate that on October 25, 2024, Valerie was arrested again for DWI in Ocean City, New Jersey.

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