Man Pleads Guilty To Felony Drunk Driving That Injured Warwick Mayor

GOSHEN, NY — The Orange County man who drove drunk and injured the Warwick mayor reached a plea agreement with the district attorney.

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler recently announced that Matthew Labar, 42, of Goshen pleaded guilty Jan. 12 in court to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol as a felony.

Under the plea agreement, he will face up to one to three years in prison when he is sentenced April 12.

Prosecutors said, around 4:15 p.m. July 29, Labar was seen stumbling on Main Street in Warwick.

Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard saw the man and tried to help him.

When Labar got into his truck, Newhard took his keys. Labar used a spare set, started the truck and began to drive while the mayor was hanging out of the window.

Labar then struck numerous parked cars in the parking lot of CVS Pharmacy where he was driving.

A passing United States Park Police officer saw what was happening and subdued Labar until a Warwick police officer could respond and take Labary into custody.

A subsequent chemical test revealed that Labar’s blood alcohol content was 0.33 percent — more than four times the legal limit.

Newhard suffered minor injuries as a result.

Hoovler said Newhard’s selflessness and quick-thinking actions likely prevented what could have been a terrible tragedy.

“Drunk drivers put us all at risk through their careless decisions,” he said. “ Indicents such as this one are not accidents they are serious crimes and perpetrators need to be held accountable.”