A Queens resident was arrested by New York State police for DWI after driving the wrong way on the Wantagh State Parkway.
On February 21 at approximately 12:03 a.m., New York State Troopers responded to reports of a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lanes on the Wantagh State Parkway near Jones Beach State Park. Troopers quickly located and stopped the vehicle — a black Toyota RAV4 — in the southbound lanes near Exit W4E (Southern State Parkway). The driver, Karon Deopersaud, 47, of Queens, was found to be intoxicated, with a blood alcohol content of .19%—more than twice the legal limit.
Deopersaud was charged with Reckless Endangerment (a misdemeanor), third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation (an unclassified misdemeanor), second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation (a misdemeanor), having a previous DWI conviction within 10 years (a Class E felony), Driving While Intoxicated (a Class E felony) along with multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law Infractions.
Deopersaud is due back at Nassau County District Court on March 12 at 9:00 a.m.
“Wrong -way driving is extremely dangerous and often leads to serious or fatal crashes,” the NYSP, Troop L in Farmingdale said in a statement. “Driving while intoxicated impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination, endangering not only your life but the lives of others as well. This arrest is a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. The New York State Police want to remind the public: do not become a statistic — make responsible choices. We remain committed to keeping our roads safe.”