Prosecutor Arrested for DWI After Celebrating her 30th Birthday at a Bar

Around 8:16 PM on March 8, 2025, Patrolman Evan Bringas with the Edgewater Police Department responded to the parking lot of 461 River Road after they received a 911 call about someone who was passed out next to their vehicle. He arrived on scene around 8:18 PM and made contact with the caller. After speaking with the caller briefly, he noticed that a white 2020 Ford Explorer had driven past the curb onto the grass. Outside the vehicle, a female was passed out and lying down on the pavement.

Patrolman Bringas made contact with the female, who was later identified as Bryashia Atchison-Henderson. According to online records, Bryashia currently works as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. Patrolman Bringas asked Bryashia if she knew where she was, and she did not know that she was in Edgewater. Patrolman Tyler Iafelice arrived on scene to assist shortly afterwards, and he asked Bryashia how she ended up on the ground. Bryashia responded that her 30th birthday brought her there on the ground. She also told the officers that she had been at a bar in Edgewater earlier that evening.

As Patrolman Bringas was speaking with Bryashia, he detected the odor of alcohol and observed other indicators of impairment. When Patrolman Iafelice returned to his patrol car to run her license, Bryashia admitted to Patrolman Bringas that she was drunk. She also became visibly upset and stated that she just wanted to go home. Since she could not stand on her own, Patrolman Iafelice helped her remain standing while Patrolman Bringas administered the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. Additional field sobriety exercises were not administered due to safety concerns.

Following the HGN test, Bryashia was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. She was handcuffed and placed in the patrol car. Her vehicle was impounded by Jeff’s Towing for a mandatory 12-hour hold pursuant to John’s Law. While being transported to the Edgewater Police Department, Bryashia vomited inside the patrol car. The officers had to assist her in exiting the patrol car and walking over to the bench in the processing room. While in the processing room, Patrolman Bringas looked at a badge indicating that the arrestee worked for the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The Attorney General's Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators was read to her, but she was unable to answer due to her level of intoxication. Since she was unable to answer, it was considered a refusal. After the officers were finished with their paperwork, Bryashia was released to her brother after he signed the Potential Liability Warning on Bryashia’s behalf.

Patrolman Bringas issued Bryashia the following citations:

-Operating under the influence (39:4-50)

-Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer/chemical test (39:3-10.24)

As of July 26, 2025, court records indicate that Bryashia’s case is still pending before the Edgewater Municipal Court.

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