Park Ranger Accused Of DWI, Crash At Independence Day Fireworks

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A Rockland County park ranger accused of crashing a county vehicle at an Independence Day fireworks event while driving drunk on duty with his daughters faces two felony and four misdemeanor charges.

Announcing the arrest, Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco said Park Ranger Christopher Granata was driving a county-owned John Deere “Gator” utility task vehicle at 8:49 p.m. July 5 in Haverstraw Bay Park when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a parked car.

He had his two daughters, ages one and seven, in the front passenger seat, the sheriff said.

All three were ejected from the vehicle. Mr. Granata received a head injury, and the two children were also injured, Falco said. All three individuals were taken to Westchester Medical Center for medical treatment by the Stony Point Ambulance Corps.

Sheriff’s Officers were assisted in the investigation by the Haverstraw Police Department and the Ramapo Police Accident Reconstruction Team. Part of the investigation included submitting a blood sample to the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center to determine Granata’s blood alcohol concentration.

Falco said the results were received Wednesday from the State Police laboratory indicating the presence of alcohol in the blood sample.

On Thursday the Sheriff’s Office arrested Granata, 41, of New Windsor. He was arraigned before Judge Ivonne S. Santos of the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court. He was released on his own recognizance pending a return court date of Aug. 19.

• 2 Counts PL 260.10 - Endangering the Welfare of a Child, A-Misd.
• 2 Counts PL 120.20 - Reckless Endangerment, A-Misd.
• 1 Count VTL 1192.a - Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, -Misd.
• 1 Count VTL 1192.3 - Driving While Intoxicated – Misd.
• 1 Count VTL 1192.2ab - Leandra’s Law DWI, E-Felony
• 1 Count PL 120.04 - Vehicular assault 1st degree – D- Felony