Wrong Way Driver On Sunken Meadow Parkway

(photo NYS Police) Walter TortoraOn 1/29/12 at 1:45 AM, Troopers responded to a report of a wrong way driver on the Sunken Meadow Parkway, southbound in the northbound lanes near Pulaski Road.  Responding Troopers observed a gray Mini-Cooper driving southbound in the northbound  lanes coming to a slow stop between Pulaski Road and Route 25.  While interviewing the vehicle operator, Walter Tortora, age 35, of New Hyde Park NY, Troopers observed him to have bloodshot, watery eyes, and impaired motor coordination.  Mr. Tortora was also incoherent and had slurred speech.  He was subsequently arrested for DWI.

The defendant later admitted to smoking marihuana and taking Valium earlier in the evening.  Mr. Tortora was also found to possess a small amount of Valium(4 pills) on his person.  Mr. Tortora was arrested for DWI Drugs, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree(A Misd.), and traffic violations.  All charges returnable in Suffolk County First District Court.