BUFFALO, NY — The New York State Police have charged Owen Gustavo Palomino, 29, of Buffalo, with DWI after he crashed his vehicle off the New York State Thruway.
On April 5, 2026, at approximately 7:49 a.m., State Police assigned to SP Buffalo responded to reports of a wrong-way driver in a white 2018 Volkswagen heading northbound in the southbound lane on the Thruway (I-190) in Grand Island.
Patrols attempted to locate the vehicle but were not successful.
About 30 minutes later, the vehicle, operated by Palomino, crashed into a ditch off the shoulder of the I-190 Exit 2 ramp in Buffalo.
Investigation revealed that Palomino had veered off the Exit 2 deceleration ramp, drove through a grassy area off the ramp, and crossed over the acceleration ramp to I-190 southbound, where the vehicle ultimately came to rest in the ditch.
No injuries were reported.
While interviewing Palomino, troopers observed signs of impairment and administered standard field sobriety tests, which Palomino failed.
He was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to SP Buffalo for processing, where he registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.14%.
He was also issued multiple uniform traffic tickets.
Palomino was released to a sober third party and is due in Buffalo City Court on May 6, 2026.
