Drunk Driver Rear-Ends Trooper Who Had Another Car Pulled Over: NYSP

LLOYD, NY — A drunk driver made police very aware of their presence and was lucky not to have seriously hurt anyone in the process, according to New York State Police.

On New Year's Day, at 2:52 a.m., troopers from the State Police Highland Barracks stopped a car on State Route 44/55 in the town of Lloyd.

During the traffic stop, a 2025 Volkswagen traveling on SR 44/55 crashed into the rear the state police patrol vehicle, despite all of the patrol car's emergency lights being activated, pushing it into the 2016 Volkswagen that had just been stopped by the trooper.

Troopers interviewed the driver of the 2025 Volkswagen, 36-year-old Jesse Peck, of Malboro. While interviewing Peck, troopers detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage. Peck submitted to field sobriety tests, which he failed, and was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated, according to NYSP.

Peck provided a breath sample indicating a BAC of 0.16 percent and was additionally charged with operating a motor vehicle with 0.08 of 1 percent alcohol or more in blood. Peck was issued traffic tickets and an appearance ticket returnable to the Lloyd Town Court on January 21.

A 27-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man in the 2016 Volkswagen were taken to Dutchess Vassar Brothers Hospital with minor injuries. Two troopers were transported to Mid-Hudson Hospital with minor injuries.

"This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving not only for those directly involved, but for our brave first responders as well," New York State Police said. "Every time you get behind the wheel impaired, you’re putting lives at risk."