LI Tractor-Trailer Driver Was Driving Drunk Before Crash: Police

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A tractor-trailer driver from Long Island was accused of drunken driving after his rig rolled over and spilled rocks on Interstate 287 in White Plains during the morning commute.

The New York State Police said Billy Robinson, 55, of Inwood, was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor.

Authorities said the preliminary investigation found that, shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday, Robinson was driving a 2020 Peterbilt tractor-trailer west near Exit 8 (White Plains) on I-287 when he crossed all three westbound lanes and struck the center guiderail.

His tractor-trailer then overturned and dumped a load of rock debris on the roadway, police said.

All westbound lanes and the left and center eastbound lanes were blocked as a result.

Robinson was not injured and was found to be intoxicated, according to authorities.

He was taken into custody and processed at the Tarrytown barracks where his blood alcohol content was determined to be 0.24 percent, police said.

Robinson was turned over to a sober third party and released on appearance tickets returnable to the City of White Plains Court Nov. 19.

Police said the crash caused significant traffic delays in the area. All lanes were finally reopened after nearly four hours of cleanup efforts.