Wrong-Way Driver With BAC 2X Legal Limit Stopped On LI By Troopers: NYSP

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — New York State troopers were able to thwart potential tragedy on Long Island recently when they apprehended an intoxicated wrong-way driver, officials said.

According to New York State police, on September 6 at about 10:51 p.m., troopers received multiple reports of a wrong-way driver traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway in area of exit 44.

Troopers responded to the area, where they were able to slow down traffic driving in the correct direction — while also locating and stopping the person driving in the wrong direction before any life-threatening collisions, crashes or injuries, police said.

"The troopers' swift and coordinated response prevented a potentially serious incident and ensured the safety of all motorists traveling on the parkway," police said.

The wrong-way driver of the 2009 Toyota Camry, Aristides Alfredo Villatoro, 54, of Central Islip, was found to be intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .19 percent, which is more than twice the legal limit, police said.

Villatoro was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated; second-degree reckless endangerment; aggravated DWI; and multiple vehicle-and-traffic law violations, police said.

"New York State Police would like to remind all drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, do not drink and drive under any influence, and report any unsafe or hazardous driving conditions immediately. Driving is a shared responsibility and driving responsibly saves lives," authorities said.