Ridgewood Police Department Issues Official Statement Following Traffic Stop Involving Dianna Russini

Ridgewood Police Department Releases Statement on Traffic Stop Involving Dianna Russini

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department has released an official statement clarifying the details of a recent traffic stop on Godwin Avenue involving Ms. Dianna Russini. In January, the former NFL reporter for The Athletic got pulled over by a police officer for using her phone while driving in New Jersey. Their subsequent interaction was caught on bodycam video that was posted Monday on X by Adam Herbets of Center Square. She claimed she got off by allowing the cop to FaceTime with his favorite NFL head coach. This video shows something a little different.

Russini got caught up in a scandal with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel in April when photos emerged of the two hugging and holding hands at a resort in Sedona, Arizona. The New York Post also published pics of the pair kissing at an NYC bar in 2020. Both are married to other people.

Although Russini denied she was having an affair with Vrabel, she resigned from her job at The Athletic amid the media frenzy. As for Vrabel, he said he would take accountability for the distraction the scandal caused his family and is now working on his marriage with his wife.

According to Police Chief Forest Ross Lyons, the incident took place on January 19, 2026, at approximately 9:40 AM, when a local officer pulled over Ms. Russini for using a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

Following standard department protocols and a comprehensive review of the motorist’s driving history, the officer chose to issue a verbal warning rather than a formal citation.

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See video:

https://youtu.be/IFeMvmp5uRU?si=gwSptvPs6oEHzpaY

The Power of Officer Discretion in Community Policing

The decision to issue a warning instead of a ticket has drawn local interest, prompting Chief Lyons to reinforce the department’s longstanding policies regarding roadside stops.

Chief Lyons emphasized that the exercise of professional discretion is a core tenet of how the Ridgewood Police Department operates.

“The use of officer discretion in determining whether to issue a warning or a citation is consistent with Ridgewood Police Department policy and longstanding practice,” Chief Lyons stated.

The administration notes that local officers are actively encouraged to use their best judgment during routine traffic stops. When deemed appropriate, issuing verbal or written warnings aligns directly with Ridgewood’s overarching commitment to fair, impartial, and community-oriented policing.

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Traffic Safety Reminder: Handheld Devices in NJ

While this specific stop resulted in a warning, local authorities continue to remind motorists that distracted driving remains a major public safety priority in Bergen County. Under New Jersey state law, using a handheld cell phone or electronic device while driving is a primary offense, and drivers are urged to utilize hands-free technology to keep local roads safe.

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