Defendant Was Driving Vehicle on Only Three Tires
A Bethpage man was arrested on charges of drunk driving after he allegedly drove through a road closure.
On March 8, 2025, at approximately 8:05 p.m., troopers from New York State Police, along with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, were actively investigating an unrelated incident near a stationary road closure, where the Department of Transportation (DOT) had set up barricades for safety.
During this time, a black Lincoln was observed recklessly speeding past the road closure on the Southern State Parkway westbound east of Exit 37 near Babylon, despite having only three tires. Recognizing the imminent danger, a state trooper immediately initiated a pursuit to protect the public and law enforcement personnel in the area. In a shocking moment, the vehicle narrowly avoided striking an investigator from the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Despite multiple lawful attempts to stop the driver, he refused to comply.
When the vehicle finally came to a stop, officers repeatedly ordered the driver to exit. After some delay, the driver, later identified as 31-year-old Kenneth A. Salgado, emerged from the vehicle and was taken into custody. Troopers quickly determined that Salgado was likely under the influence of alcohol. However, he refused to submit to a breath test.
“Thanks to the swift and decisive actions of the New York State Police, a potential disaster was averted,” New York State Police Troop L said in a statement. “Their vigilance not only protected the safety of law enforcement personnel but also safeguarded innocent motorists and pedestrians who could have been harmed by Salgado’s reckless and impaired driving.”
Salgado was charged with first-degree driving while intoxicated (an unclassified misdemeanor), first-degree reckless endangerment (a Class D felony), resisting arrest and unlawful fleeing a police officer In a motor vehicle (both misdemeanors), along with numerous New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Salgado was transported to the Suffolk County Third Precinct, where he was held for arraignment on March 9.
“This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and courage demonstrated by the New York State Police, who work tirelessly to keep the public safe — often putting themselves at great risk to do so,” stated Troop L.