A distracted driving detail in Patterson Wednesday (Aug. 14) led to the arrest of a 50-year-old Pawling man whose blood-alcohol was more than twice the legal limit, officials say.
Troopers from the Southeast barracks wrote 15 tickets during the initiative. Six were for using a mobile phone while driving and the rest for various vehicle and traffic violations.
The arrest came at about 4:20 p.m. on Route 22. Officials say the defendant's blood-alcohol level was 0.19 percent. The legal limit is 0.08. He's facing misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated, plus two infractions: one for no inspection and the other for drinking alcohol in a vehicle.
Due in Patterson Justice Court Aug. 26, the defendant was processed and released.
Troopers conducted the detail "in an effort to curb distracted driving during the summer months, predicted to be one of the busiest in terms of those traveling by motor vehicle."
"The State Police are committed to it's mission of keeping the roadways safe for those traveling the roadways and will continue these efforts throughout the summer," authorities said in a statement.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
