West Nyack Mom Accused Of DWI With Toddlers Loose In Car

BARDONIA, NY — A West Nyack woman faces felony charges of driving while intoxicated. Police alleged she was not only drunk but also two toddlers in the car were not strapped into their car seats.

At 11:30 p.m. Monday, a Clarkstown police officer observed a vehicle stopped in the left lane on Rt.304 at Bardonia Road. It had its emergency flashers activated, and damage consistent with striking a curb.

The officer saw the driver seated in the driver’s seat and two children in the back seated in child seats without being strapped in, police said.

The driver appeared to be intoxicated, police said. She was given field sobriety tests in a safe location, which she failed.

The driver, Stephany Rodriguez, 35, of West Nyack was arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing.

Her children, ages 3 and 1, were released to family and Child Protective Services was notified.

She was charged with aggravated DWI with a child less than 16 years of age (felony), aggravated DWI (misdemeanor), DWI (misdemeanor) and back seat passengers less than 4 years of age (violation). Rodriguez was arraigned at Clarkstown Justice Court. Bail was set at $1,500. She posted bail and will return to court on June 26.