Mom Thanks Cops for Getting her Drunk Daughter off the Road After DWI Arrest

Around 3:22 AM on October 27, 2024, Patrolman Michael McCaffrey with the Beach Haven Police Department observed a northbound red 2011 Kia Optima driving without headlights in the vicinity of Fifth Street and Bay Avenue. He began following the vehicle and he eventually activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. The driver pulled over in the area of 13th Street and Long Beach Boulevard.

Patrolman McCaffrey made contact with the driver, and she was later identified as 22-year-old Alyssa King. He detected the odor of perfume, but he also observed indicators of impairment. She told him that she worked at the Black Whale and that she had been at the Hudson House Bar (“The Hud”) earlier that evening. She admitted to consuming a few drinks before driving. The officer also noticed a wristband from Bird and Betty’s, and Alyssa would later admit to going there before she went to The Hud. After Sergeant Daly arrived on scene to assist, Alyssa was asked to perform field sobriety exercises.

The first exercise was the recitation of the alphabet from “D” to “M” and she did not do so satisfactorily. The second exercise was the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. During the HGN test, Patrolman McCaffrey observed a lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. The third exercise was the Walk and Turn test. During the Walk and Turn test, Alyssa failed to touch heel-to-toe on each step and turned improperly. The final exercise was the One Leg Stand test. During the One Leg Stand test, Alyssa failed to raise her foot in the proper fashion and did not count in the correct sequence.

Based on the odor of alcohol, her admission to consuming alcohol earlier that evening, and her inability to satisfactorily complete the field sobriety exercises, Patrolman McCaffrey placed Alyssa under arrest for driving under the influence. Alyssa’s vehicle was impounded for a 12-hour hold according to John’s Law. Patrolman McCaffrey transported Alyssa to the Beach Haven Police Department for further processing.

Alyssa was read the Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators at the station, and she agreed to provide breath samples. Her Alcotest results indicated a BAC level of 0.201%, which was more than double the legal limit of 0.08%. After the officers finished processing her, she was released to her mother pending her court appearance after she signed the Potential Liability Warning form on Alyssa’s behalf.

Patrolman McCaffrey issued Alyssa the following citations:

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

-Improper lighting (39:3-47)

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