Woman Arrested for DWI after Falling Asleep in her Vomit

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Around 8:29 PM on September 16, 2023, Officer Brandon Fitzgibbons with the Hoboken Police Department responded to a report of an unconscious female behind the wheel of a 2009 Toyota Highlander in the parking garage of 333 River Street. Upon his arrival at the entrance of the garage, the parking lot attendant led him to the vehicle in question. Sergeant Roary Miller and Officer Christopher Barral also arrived on scene shortly afterwards. Officer Fitzgibbons noticed that the engine was running and proceeded to make contact with the unconscious woman, who was identified as 28-year-old Ami Bulsara.

The driver’s side window was down and Officer Fitzgibbons detected the odor of alcohol in the vehicle. As Sergeant Miller unlocked the vehicle, they noticed large amounts of vomit on her face, shirt, and pants. Ami regained consciousness after the officers held her upright, and Officer Fitzgibbons turned off the engine. After she awakened, Ami was initially apologetic, and she told the officers that she was drunk and that she wanted to go home. Officer Fitzgibbons responded by telling Ami that she was not able to drive her car and that she needed to be evaluated by Hoboken EMS. Since they suspected that she was impaired, the officers offered Ami an opportunity to participate in field sobriety exercises after she was cleared by Hoboken EMS. The first exercise was the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. During the HGN test, Officer Fitzgibbons observed a lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn test, and she was instructed to walk 9 heel-to-toe steps, turn, and take another 9 heel-to-toe steps in the opposite direction. Ami did not seem to understand these instructions, and refused to follow the officers’ instructions. Ami continued to be uncooperative despite multiple attempts. She even told the officers that she did not care and that she would be willing to go to jail. Based on her slurred speech, lack of balance, and her unwillingness to cooperate during the field sobriety exercises, Officer Fitzgibbons placed Ami under arrest for driving under the influence. The vehicle was already parked in a garage, so it was not necessary to impound the vehicle. Officer Barral subsequently transported Ami to the Hoboken Police Department for processing. At police HQ, Officer Jason Montalvo read her the Standard Statement for Motor Vehicle Operators, and Ami initially seemed confused about being required to submit breath samples for testing. Officer Montalvo asked Sergeant Miller to come in the Alcotest room and clarify that if Ami refused to submit breath samples, her license may be revoked. Despite the officers’ warnings, Ami ultimately refused to submit breath samples and she was charged with a refusal.