Police Find 24-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old Passed Out In Taxi, Then Things Got Weird, According to Authorities

RAMAPO, NY — A strange situation quickly turned dangerous, according to police in Rockland County.

The story starts when a Ramapo officer reports coming across two people passed out inside a taxi at the shopping center on Route 59 and Brookside Avenue.

When the officer approached the driver, he suddenly put the vehicle in drive and attempted to flee by driving over the curb toward the state highway, according to the officer.

"The officer quickly took control of the situation, despite resistance from the driver," Ramapo police said in a statement released on social media. "Additional units responded to assist. This is a clear example of the vigilance and quick action our officers demonstrate every day to keep the public safe."

Police say the driver, a 24-year-old resident of Montebello, is now charged with driving while intoxicated.

Since the passenger in the vehicle was only 15 years old, the driver was additionally charged under Leandra's Law for felony DWI.

The driver was also charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. His license had been suspended six times on two separate dates, according to police.

He was also charged with obstructing governmental administration and endangering the welfare of a child, cops said.

The driver was arraigned before the Village of Airmont Justice, and was released on his own recognizance. He will next appear in the Village of Airmont Court on April 16.