Taxi Driver Drove Passenger While On Drugs On Long Island Expressway: Police

A taxi driver who was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs with a passenger in the back seat was found to be in possession of heroin and suboxone on Saturday morning on the Long Island Expressway, police say.

According to authorities, a yellow taxi cab, driven by Patricia M. Piacente, 50, of Selden, was seen driving recklessly and failing to maintain a lane in the westbound lanes of the Long Island Expressway at 5:35 a.m.

Police attempted to pull over the vehicle, but Piacente failed to stop and continued to drive, police say. Police approached the vehicle, which eventually came to a stop, and reported that Piacente failed to put her vehicle in park and take the keys out of ignition, police say. Officers say they were then pushed by Piacente when they tried to take the keys out of ignition. Officers then removed her out of the vehicle and placed Piacente under arrest after she failed to exit the vehicle, police say.

Officers say they subsequently recovered heroin, a hypodermic needle, straws used for cocaine consumption and suboxone powder in her backpack.

She was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, four counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, DWAI drugs, second-degree obstructing governmental administration as well as multiple traffic infractions.

She will be arraigned on Sunday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Image via NCPD