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The state of New Jersey has been ordered to pay $11.5 million to a stroke victim who was wrongfully arrested after an officer mistook her for a drunk driver, per Newsweek.
According to her lawsuit, Cheryl Rhines was driving to work at BASF Corporation in Florham Park, New Jersey on October 17, 2017, when she pulled over to a highway shoulder while experiencing "early onset symptoms of a stroke."
Rhines' vehicle hit the guardrail of the highway due to her condition. When State Trooper Jennifer Albulja responded to the scene, she was unable to communicate with Rhines, which she interpreted to mean that the driver was intoxicated.
The lawsuit states that Rhines experienced clear indicators of a stroke, including face drooping and the inability to respond to Albulja.
Albulja arrested Rhines, who had no prior offenses on her record, on suspicion of drunk driving despite not finding any smell or sign of substance use.
Rhines was taken to the New Jersey State Police Somerville Station in Bridgewater Township, where authorities realized Rhines needed medical attention.
The delay in medical attention worsened Rhines' condition, leaving her with "severe" and lasting complications, according to her lawsuit.
Rhines was awarded $11.5 million following a jury trial last month.
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