Two people were charged with driving while intoxicated in separate Brigantine crashes on Christmas Eve, police said.
Police were called to the area of Brigantine Realty Group in the 3300 block of Brigantine Boulevard for a one-vehicle crash at about 2:20 a.m. Sunday, according to the report.
Jenner Cortez, 23, of Buena, crashed into a stop sign, brick garden retention wall and flag pole before coming to rest near the front of the building, police said.
As Cortez exited the 2006 Dodge Durango, Officer Benjamin Stambaugh noticed the driver appeared impaired from alcohol, according to the report.
Brigantine firefighters responded for medical evaluation.
But as officers and firefighters tried to assess Cortez, he became combative, according to the charges.
Stambaugh tried to handcuff Cortez, who resisted, police said. Cortez then spit at the officer and on medical equipment inside the ambulance, police said.
He was charged with DWI, aggravated assault on law enforcement by throwing bodily fluid and resisting arrest. Cortez also received several traffic citations, including careless driving and reckless driving.
Cortez was charged on summonses and released to a responsible party under John's Law.
That night, police were called to another one-vehicle crash in the area of Harbor Beach Boulevard and Lighthouse Drive.
Sheryl Staines, 61, of Egg Harbor Township, was trapped inside a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was overturned and leaking gasoline at 7:36 p.m., according to the report.
The Jeep had struck had struck a second vehicle that was parked legally on the side of the road with one person inside, police said.
Staines was charged with DWI, along with summonses for reckless driving, operating an unregistered vehicle and failure to maintain lane.
She was released on to a responsible party in accordance with John’s Law.
Brigantine police used the crashes to remind the public to designate a sober driver if planning to drink or consume other intoxicating substance.
"There are plenty of opportunities to use cab services or ride share applications – don’t jeopardize your safety and the safety of others," police warned.
