Around 12:49 AM on August 30, 2024, Patrolman Kevin Connor with the Highlands Police Department observed a gray 2019 Toyota Highlander swerving between lanes multiple times while traveling northbound on State Route 36. He activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, and the driver pulled over in the shoulder just past Lakeside Drive in the neighboring town of Atlantic Highlands. Patrolman Connor made contact with the 18-year-old passenger, who was identified as Gloria. He also made contact with Nohemi, who was her 35-year-old passenger as well as the owner of the vehicle.
Gloria informed Patrolman Connor that she did not speak English, but Nohemi did speak English. Nohemi informed him that they had both consumed alcohol earlier that evening, and he noticed an open container inside the vehicle. Patrolman Connor called for another officer to come on scene and assist with translation. Patrolman Anthony Flores as well as Patrolman Davi Cunha with the Atlantic Highlands Police Department arrived on scene shortly afterwards. Patrolman Cunha assisted with translation by asking Gloria to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety exercises.
Patrolman Cunha started with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn Test, which she completed satisfactorily. The third exercise was the One Leg Stand test, and Gloria counted up to 14 before putting her foot down. Based on her erratic driving, the odor of alcohol, her admission to consuming alcohol earlier that day, and the open container, Gloria was placed under arrest. Her passenger Nohemi was also placed under arrest for permitting an unlicensed an intoxicated person to operate a motor vehicle.
At the station, Gloria was read the Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators and she agreed to submit breath samples. Her Alcotest results indicated a BAC level of 0.07%, which was above New Jersey’s legal limit of 0.01% for driver under 21. After they were finished processing Gloria and Nohemi, they were both released pending their court appearances.
Gloria was issued the following citations: Operating under the influence, operating under the influence underage, reckless driving, open container, failure to maintain lane, and unlicensed driver
Nohemi was issued the following citations: DWI allowing, allowing an unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle, and open container
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