Two off duty police officers in Westchester have been charged with New York drunk driving this month. On December 11, 2009, Michael Huffman, a 29 year old four year veteran of the Dobbs Ferry police force, was charged with DWI, speeding and crossing a double yellow line when he lost control of his Volkswagen Jetta and struck a guardrail in Tarrytown. Huffman was not seriously injured in the accident. He also refused to take a breath test and is due in Tarrytown Village Court on January 13, 2010. Huffman was placed on leave pending the outcome of the criminal charges.
On December 27, 2009, off-duty Westchester County police officer Joseph Kraus allegedly ran a red light while operating his Chevy pickup truck and struck a Scarsdale police car while intoxicated at the intersection of East Parkway and Popham Road in Scarsdale. Kraus admitted to having consumed 2-3 beers but refused to take a breathalyzer. Kraus was charged with misdemeanor DWI. Emergency personnel had to cut open the police cruiser, which was apparently demolished, to free Officer Jessica Knatz, who suffered facial and back injuries in the accident.
Ironically, 35 year old Officer Kraus had recently taken part in a WABC TV program which detailed the dangers of distracted driving as part of Westchester County’s “Crash Reduction Unit.” Kraus is suspended with pay pending a county police investigation.
Contact The Westchester County DWI Lawyers at The Law Office Of Mark A. Siesel online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 if you or a loved one is charged with a New York drunk driving offense or traffic infraction for a free consultation with an experienced defense attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.