3-Year-Old Hospitalized After Drunk Dad Crashes Car: Police

GREAT RIVER, NY - A 3-year-old girl was hospitalized after her father crashed while driving drunk on the Heckscher State Parkway Monday afternoon, according to State Police.

Police responded to the car crash on the eastbound Heckscher State Parkway, just north of Heckscher State Park in Great River at 2:16 p.m.

Upon arrival, troopers interviewed 35-year-old Jose S. Barrera, of Central Islip, who was driving his 1995 Honda Civic at the time of the crash, police said.

While interviewing Barrera, the trooper detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, police said.

He then failed sobriety tests and was arrested for DWI, according to police.

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Barrera was traveling with his 3-year-old child inside of the car, who suffered minor injuries resulting from the collision, police said.

The child was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where she was treated for her injuries and released to the custody of her mother, police said.

Barrera was charged with aggravated DWI under Leandra’s Law, one count of endangering the welfare of a child, first degree aggravated unlicensed operation, operating out of ignition interlock restriction and traffic infractions, police said.

He will be arraigned on Tuesday.

Photo: NY State Police