'Designated Driver' Shocked by DWI Arrest After Coming From Johnny Mac's

Around 2:38 AM on August 17, 2025, Patrolman Tyler Redy with the Deal Police Department observed a black 2010 Honda Accord driving erratically without headlights near the circle in the neighboring town of Interlaken. He started pursuing the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop in the vicinity of Norwood Avenue and Runyan Avenue in Deal. He exited his patrol car and made contact with the driver of the vehicle, who was identified as 23-year-old Vanessa Pacquette.

Vanessa told the officer that she was driving her friend’s car as the “designated driver” after leaving Johnny Mac’s bar in Asbury Park, but initially denied consuming any alcohol. Based on his suspicion of impairment, he called for additional units. After Patrolman Noah DeFazio arrived on scene to assist, Vanessa was asked to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety exercises.

Patrolman DeFazio started with the HGN test, and he observed 6/6 indicators of impairment along with vertical gaze nystagmus. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn test. During the Walk and Turn test, Vanessa failed to touch heel-to-toe on each step. The final exercise was the One Leg Stand test. During the One Leg Stand test, Vanessa failed to raise her foot in the proper fashion and put her foot down before the test was complete.

Based on her erratic driving, her admission to consuming alcohol earlier that evening, and her inability to perform the field sobriety exercises adequately, Vanessa was placed under arrest for DWI. After she was placed under arrest, her vehicle was impounded for a 12-hour hold according to John’s Law. Patrolman Redy transported Vanessa to the Deal Police Department for further processing.

Vanessa was read the Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators at the station, and she agreed to submit breath samples. Her Alcotest results indicated a BAC level of 0.116%, which was over the legal limit of 0.08%. After the officers were finished with their paperwork, she was released to a sober adult around 4:25 AM pending her court appearance. Vanessa was issued the following citations: Operating under the influence, careless driving, traffic on marked lanes, and failure to use lighted lamps when required

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