22-Year-Old Woman Arrested for DUI in a Firehouse after Car Wreck | Blue Patrol Bodycam

Around 11:20 PM on April 18, 2022, Hoboken Police Sergeant Figueroa witnessed a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Observer Highway and Madison Street. A 2011 Nissan driven by 22-year-old Nicole Schweininger struck a 2017 Mazda while going through a red light. Sergeant Figueroa immediately requested for additional units to respond to the scene. As an officer approached Schweininger’s car, he asked her to explain what happened. Schweininger seemed incoherent and she told the officer that she was heading home after visiting a friend in Hoboken. When Schweininger was initially asked whether she had been drinking, she denied being under the influence.

Hoboken EMS arrived shortly thereafter and Schweininger was examined by first responders. Officer Damien Bates was observing Schweininger’s interactions with the EMTs, and he overheard Schweininger admit to having consumed alcohol earlier at a friend’s residence in Hoboken. Schweininger also indicated to EMTs that she did not wish to go to the hospital. After she was cleared the by first responders, Officer Brandon Fitzgibbons arrived at the scene to conduct field sobriety tests. Given the inclement weather conditions, officers decided to use the nearby Fire Department Engine # 3 Firehouse at 501 Observer Highway.

The first exercise involved the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. Officer Fitzgibbons observed a lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus in both eyes, and onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in both eyes. Schweininger was unable to keep her head straight or follow the pen consistently. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn test. During this test, Schweininger was unable to maintain balance or walk heel-to-toe. The third and final exercise was the One Leg Stand test. Schweininger was unable to maintain balance on one leg or count correctly.

Based on her admission to consuming alcohol and her inability to perform the field sobriety exercises, Officer Fitzgibbons placed Schweininger under arrest for driving under the influence. After her arrest, Schweininger was transported to Hoboken Police HQ for further processing. In the processing room, Schweininger was unable to answer most questions due to her state of intoxication and she subsequently vomited. Hoboken EMS was called to the station in response and she was transported to Hoboken University Medical Center for further evaluation. She was issued the following summonses: Operating under the influence, reckless driving, and third degree assault by auto.