OCEAN TOWNSHIP, Monmouth County - Rowdiness in a restaurant here ends with charges of driving under the influence, child endangerment, assault on a police officer, and a disorderly-persons count for an Asbury Park woman.

Ocean Township Police, Monmouth County (Ocean Twp. PD Facebook)
Ocean Township Police, Monmouth County (Ocean Twp. PD Facebook)
loading...

Stella A. Johnson, 36, was arrested Monday at the Applebee's on Route 66 where she formerly worked, according to Detective Lieutenant Tim Torchia. She was placed in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold until her initial court appearance.

Police were called at about 5:35 PM, responding to a report of an intoxicated, disorderly person. According to authorities, restaurant workers recognized Johnson, who arrived with her three children, all under eight years of age..

Police allege that she began arguing with someone, and that staffers escorted her outside before officers arrived. Police did not clarify whether the disagreement was with a customer or an employee.

The disorderly conduct continued, police said, and while Johnson was being arrested and placed in a squad car, she allegedly kicked Officer Glennis Polanco

Officers alleged that Johnson was already intoxicated when she drove with her children to the restaurant. The youngsters were placed in the care of a family member, police said.

Applebee's issued a related statement through Florham Park-based BML Public Relations:

  • The safety and security of our guests and employees is paramount, and specifically, in this case, the safety and well-being of the young children involved was our biggest concern.
  • The woman in question was NOT served any alcohol at our Applebee’s location, but in fact, arrived there with her children in a seemingly intoxicated state. 
  • We applaud our staff for their quick response and decision to call the police, as they all had the children’s safety in mind. 
  • As this is a police matter, any further inquiries should be directed to the local police department. 

More from WOBM:

More From 92.7 WOBM