Drunken LI Man Who Drove 4X Legal Limit Convicted Of 2nd DWI Within 10 Years: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Lake Ronkonkoma man was found guilty of driving his vehicle while intoxicated in Ronkonkoma in 2023, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Wednesday.

Thomas Gaylor, 70, of Lake Ronkonkoma, was convicted of felony driving while Intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated, Tierney said.

"In 2025, there is no excuse for driving drunk," Tierney said in a news release. "Car services, taxis, and ride shares are everywhere. Unfortunately, we see too often how drunk or drugged driving can lead to a tragic result. Repeating that same offense shows a complete and utter disregard for human life."

Around 5:40 p.m. Nov. 9, 2023, Gaylor was observed driving a 2018 White Chevrolet Cruze northbound on Ronkonkoma Avenue in Ronkonkoma, prosecutors said.

Gaylor was driving the car erratically by driving significantly below the speed limit, breaking at odd points in the road, and veering into oncoming traffic, investigators said. A witness driving behind him called 911 to report the dangerous and erratic driving to police, officials said. Gaylor was found by Suffolk County police a short time later, parked outside his home and slumped over the steering wheel, authorities said.

After being transported to the hospital because of his high level of intoxication, he consented to a blood draw, officials said. His blood alcohol level was 0.33 percent — over four times the legal limit of .08 percent, prosecutors said.

Gaylor was convicted Wednesday. He was previously convicted of driving while intoxicated on Aug. 27, 2018, Tierney said.

He is due back in court on Aug. 13 and faces up to 1 and one-third to four years in prison. Gaylor is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.