Trooper struck by drunk driver in Harrison

HARRISON, NY — A state police sergeant was struck by a drunk driver while protecting workers in a highway work zone early Friday morning.

The sergeant from Troop T was parked in the right lane of a work zone on the New York State Thruway I-287 eastbound when a 2018 Honda Accord sideswiped the rear driver side of his vehicle at approximately 4:05 a.m.

The driver, David K. Wilkins, 46, of Stamford, Connecticut, left the scene of the collision.

The sergeant attempted to initiate a traffic stop but Wilkins failed to comply, and a pursuit began with lights and sirens activated.

Two additional troopers from Troop T joined the pursuit, which lasted approximately four minutes and traveled approximately three miles with a top speed of 50 mph.

Wilkins ultimately pulled over on the right shoulder and the pursuit was terminated.

No injuries were reported.

Upon investigation, troopers detected signs of alcohol impairment and administered a field sobriety test, which indicated intoxication.

Wilkins refused to submit a preliminary breath test.

He was placed under arrest and charged with driving while intoxicated and transported to SP New Rochelle for processing.

Additional investigation revealed several empty and partially full bottles of liquor in the backseat of the vehicle.

In addition to the DWI charge, Wilkins was also cited for unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the third degree, operator leaves scene of property damage accident, aggravated unlicensed operation first degree, fail to exercise due care to avoid colliding with emergency vehicle, reckless driving, drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on highway and operate motor vehicle without insurance.