Mother Drove Drunk With Kids In Car, Assaulted Police Officer After Being Thrown Out Of Applebees, Police Say

OCEAN TOWNSHIP - An Asbury Park mother of three who drove drunk to the Applebee's restaurant here, then kicked a police officer was a former employee of the restaurant, Detective Lieutenant Timothy R. Torchia said.

Police officers Ryan Krug, Dean Schoch and Gennis Polanco responded to the restaurant at 2301 on Route 66 at 5:35 p.m. on Oct. 16 on a report of a disorderly intoxicated female, he said.

Stella Johnson, 36, arrived at the restaurant with three young children under 8 years old and appeared to be intoxicated, Torchia said.

"The staff recognized Johnson as a former employee who immediately got into a verbal argument with someone inside," he said. "The staff was able to remove her from the restaurant prior to police arrival."

Applebees spokesperson Lauiea Pepitone said Johnson was not served any alcohol at the restaurant, but arrived intoxicated.

"We applaud our staff for their quick response and decision to call the police, as they all had the children’s safety in mind," she said.

But once outside, Johnson continued to be disorderly and kicked Officer Palanco before she was put in the police car and arrested. Her children were turned over to a family member. Police then learned that Johnson drove drunk to the restaurant with her children, Torchia said.

Johnson was charged with endangering the welfare of children, assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct and driving while intoxicated, he said.

She was taken to the Monmouth County Jail pending a future court appearance, Torchia said.

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