OCEAN COUNTY – A Pennsylvania woman is facing a slew of charges after she was seen driving erratically, leading police on a chase and ultimately assaulting three law enforcement officers.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said 30-year-old Jessica Hayes of Bensalem was arrested and charged with DUI, aggravated assault, resisting arrest, obstruction and a number of motor vehicle violations following the Saturday, July 13 incident.
Billhimer said Seaside Park Police were called to the Wells Fargo Bank on Northeast Central Avenue in regard to a suspicious female in the bank, later identified as Hayes.
As Seaside Park Police Officers were speaking to Hayes, a New Jersey State Park Police Officer arrived and advised that he had attempted to stop Hayes as she was leaving Island Beach State Park. The New Jersey State Park Police Officer witnessed Hayes operating a blue Hyundai in Island Beach State Park.
According to a press release from the prosecutor’s office, Hayes was traveling in excess of 70 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. Hayes ignored commands to pull over and continued out of Island Beach State Park at a high rate of speed.
Hayes continued north on Central Avenue into Seaside Park, reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour while weaving in and out of traffic. Due to the substantial risk of injury to the public, the New Jersey State Park Police Officer terminated his pursuit.
Hayes displayed signs of intoxication and field sobriety tests were performed at the bank. While attempting to place Hayes under arrest, she resisted and assaulted two Seaside Park Police Officers and one New Jersey State Park Police Sergeant. Hayes was eventually arrested without further incident. Officers subsequently obtained a Blood Warrant to determine Hayes’ level of intoxication.
“It’s my understanding that Hayes caused minor injuries to two Seaside Park Police Officers and that she actually bit a State Park Police Sergeant on his leg” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
“Quite frankly, we are lucky no one else was injured by her reckless behavior on a very busy Saturday at the Jersey Shore. All of the Officers involved did a great job and it looks like they will all be ok. Hayes is being evaluated at a local hospital, she will be transported to the Ocean County Jail once she is medically cleared” Prosecutor Billhimer added.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to thank the Seaside Park Police, New Jersey State Park Police and the New Jersey State Police for their diligent efforts in the apprehension of Hayes and for their efforts in preserving the safety and well-being of the many families that were enjoying a beautiful Saturday at the Jersey Shore.
The public and media are reminded that all defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
