'Combative' Southeast Woman Charged with DWI in Carmel

Called to a minor accident on Stoneleigh Avenue at 4:45 Dec. 13, Carmel Town Officer Michael Bodo concluded, after interviewing the driver and witnesses, that Eileen Benfari, 63, of Southeast, could be intoxicated.

A witness to the property-damage accident described Benfari pouring out liquor from a vodka bottle that was later disposed of under her car.

When asked by the officer, Benfari refused to exit the vehicle, citing a pre-existing medical condition, police said.  

An ambulance was called to the scene and she still would not get out of her car. She had to be forcibly removed and became combative while being taken by ambulance to Putnam Hospital Center, police said.  

Benfari was charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to take a pre-screening test, and improper lane usage; and released on her own recognizance.