Newly released bodycam video shows arrest of suspect charged in deaths of Gaudreau brothers
Sean Higgins, 44, remains behind bars in connection with the August 29 crash in Oldmans Twp., New Jersey.
OLDMANS TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Bodycam video just released Friday shows the driver accused of killing NHL hockey player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, undergoing a field sobriety test before his arrest.
The video was released in response to an Open Public Records Act request filed by Action News.
Sean Higgins, 44, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and consuming alcohol in a vehicle in connection with the August 29 crash on Pennsville Auburn Road (County Route 551) near Stumpy Lane in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.
Authorities say Higgins, who is from Woodstown, in Salem County, New Jersey, was impaired after he drank beers on the night he drove into the brothers' bicycles, and that he has a history of road rage and aggressive driving.
WATCH: New Jersey State Police release arrest video of Sean Higgins
A driver who was in front of Higgins told police that Higgins had been driving aggressively. When she and the vehicle ahead of her slowed down and moved left to go around the cyclists, Higgins sped up and veered right, striking the Gaudreaus, she said.
"I've been drinking beers," Higgins told police before performing field sobriety tests.
READ MORE: Judge extends time to indict driver accused of killing Gaudreau brothers in DUI crash
In the video, Higgins told police that he had about "five or six" beers starting around noon on the day of the crash.
"I haven't had one in like two hours," Higgins can be heard saying to troopers on the side of the road.
Police say Higgins had a blood-alcohol level of .087, which is above the state's .08 legal limit, and he failed a field sobriety test.
During previous hearings, defense lawyers noted that Higgins had a recent knee surgery that likely impacted the field test.
SEE ALSO: New details revealed during court hearing for suspect in deaths of Gaudreau brothers
"And just FYI, I had surgery on my knee on Friday," Higgins told troopers. He could also be seen wincing at one point during the test.
While balancing on one knee, he was asked to count out loud until he was instructed to stop. At one point he pauses and says, "Sorry, I'm just freaked out."
He is later handcuffed and read his Miranda rights. While being taken to the car, Higgins can be heard asking, "Is everybody OK back there, what happened?"
READ MORE: Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau remembered as loving brothers, husbands who put family above hockey
The trooper responds, "We'll talk about that when we get to the station."
During a hearing last month, a judge extended the window for prosecutors to seek an indictment. Higgins remains behind bars. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Defense lawyer Matthew Portella called Higgins "a loving father of two daughters," and a good person who "made a horrible decision that night."
Johnny Gaudreau, known as "Johnny Hockey," played 10 full seasons in the NHL and was set to start his third with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played his first eight seasons with the Calgary Flames.
The deadly crash happened one day before the wedding of Johnny and Matthew's sister.
