News

Cops: Riverhead man driving wrong way on L.I.E. had twice the legal BAC

Eric Jones

A Riverhead man, who allegedly had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system, was arrested after he was caught driving 50 mph in the wrong lane on the Long Island Expressway early Sunday, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department said.

Authorities received a call about 2:40 a.m. of a dark colored SUV traveling eastbound in the westbound lane near exit 68. The Sheriff’s department said 20-year-old Eric Jones was barreling down the road at 50 mph in the wrong lane.

Officers were able to box in Mr. Jones’ vehicle and safely direct him off the road near exit 70.

“The quick action of Deputy Sheriffs prevented the possibility of a head-on collision, which could have resulted in serious injuries to westbound motorists,” Sheriff Vincent DeMarco said in a statement.

Mr. Jones reportedly told officers he didn’t know when he got on the LIE or how he ended up going the wrong way, according to ABC Eyewitness news.

Mr. Jones was charged with aggravated DWI due to a blood alcohol content of .20 percent, more than double the legal limit of .08 percent, authorities said. He was also charged with reckless driving and other traffic offenses.

He is being held on $5,000 bail or $15,000 bond after an appearance today in First District Court in Central Islip.