Woman Bit Officer On Leg In Seaside Park DWI Arrest: Prosecutor

SEASIDE PARK, NJ — A Pennsylvania woman is accused of biting a police officer on the leg after she was apprehended after speeding away from the officer in Island Beach State Park on Saturday, the Ocean County prosecutor's office said Sunday.

Jessica Hayes, 30, of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, three counts of aggravated assault, eluding, resisting arrest and obstructing the administration of law following the incident Saturday that ended in Seaside Park, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Hayes is accused of assaulting two Seaside Park police officers and a New Jersey State Park Police sergeant, who she allegedly bit on the leg, while they were attempting to arrest her at the Wells Fargo bank on Northeast Central Avenue, Billhimer said. Police said Hayes "displayed signs of intoxication" and that field sobriety tests were performed at the bank. Officers subsequently obtained a warrant for a blood test to determine Hayes’ level of intoxication, he said.

Seaside Park police were called to the bank for a report of a suspicious female, later identified as Hayes, and as the officers were talking with Hayes, the State Park Police sergeant arrived and said he had tried to stop Hayes for speeding as she was leaving Island Beach State Park, Billhimer said.

The officer said Hayes was driving a blue Hyundai in excess of 70 mph in a 35 mph zone and ignored commands to pull over, instead heading out of Island Beach State Park. The officer said Hayes reached speeds of 60 mph and was weaving in and out of traffic as she reached Seaside Park, but because of the substantial risk of injury to the public, the officer terminated his pursuit.

"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," Billhimer said. "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 okay."

He said Hayes was being evaluated at a hospital and will be taken to the Ocean County Jail once she is medically cleared. She was charged with numerous motor vehicle violations in addition to the other charges, he said.

Billhimer thanked 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."

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