Police Arrest Man Passed Out in the Middle of Taconic State Parkway

YORKTOWN, NY — A Jefferson Valley man faces drug and impaired driving charges after he was found by police passed out in the middle lane of the Taconic State Parkway.

State Police said David C. Vazquez, 28, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, felonies, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally possessing a hypodermic instrument, misdemeanors.

Troopers said they responded to assist a disabled motorist on the Taconic State Parkway in the middle lane around mile post market 18.7 southbound.

An off-duty police officer, who was passing by and stopped to assist the driver before the Troopers got to the scene, said the driver of the vehicle was unresponsive.

When the arresting officer arrived, he said Vazquez was responsive and impaired by drugs and in possession of heroin.

The felony DWAI charge was applicable because Vazquez had a previous DWI-related conviction within the last 10 years. His driving privileges had been revoked due to a previous DWI-related arrest.

Vazquez was issued appearance tickets for him to return to the Town of Yorktown Court August 25.

Photo caption: David C. Vazquez. Photo credit: NYSP.