NEW HARTFORD — A driver was arrested for driving while intoxicated following a rear-end collision on Commercial Drive on July 4.
New Hartford Police responded to the motor vehicle collision at approximately 9:20 p.m. in front of Consumer Square.
Jose Ruiz-Trejos, 45, of Oriskany, New York, was traveling eastbound when his vehicle struck the rear of a vehicle operated by Christopher Neal, 30, of Bronx, New York.
Neal’s vehicle was stopped at a red traffic light at the time of the collision.
Both vehicles were moved into the parking lot at 4779 Commercial Drive to avoid impeding traffic.
During the crash investigation, police officers observed an empty alcoholic beverage can inside Ruiz-Trejos’s vehicle.
Field sobriety tests were administered at the scene, after which Ruiz-Trejos was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
Ruiz-Trejos was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18% or higher, following too closely and open container violations.
No injuries were reported by either party.
Ruiz-Trejos was released on tickets and is scheduled to appear in New Hartford Town Court at a later date.
