Quantcast

L.I. DWI Driver 2X Over Legal Blood Alcohol Limit

2009_02_licrs2.jpg Jose Borbon, accused of killing a Suffolk County police officer while driving drunk, apparently had a 0.19 blood alcohol level—twice the legal limit of 0.08. Prosecutors said that the test was administered 3 hours after the crash; chief trial prosecutor John Collins said, "I think it follows logically and scientifically that that (the BAC) was well higher at the time of the crash." Newsday reports that, based on that evidence judge raised Borbon's bail from $75,000 to $500,000. Borbon had a previous DWI in January and was driving with a conditional license where he could only drive to and from work—but on early Sunday morning, he allegedly plowed into Officer Glen Ciano's police cruiser, which then burst into flames, killing Ciano. Mothers Against Drunk Driving Long Island spokeswoman Denna Cohen was incredulous over the conditional license to Newsday, "To me, it's like somebody shoots you and you say, 'You know what? You need this gun for your protection, so we'll give it back to you.'"

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

Comments [rss]

  • Mr Mel

    1st DWI, no license for 5 years. 2nd DWI, hard time.

  • harrisgraber

    The judge didn't even fully suspend Borbon's license. That should be automatic. DUI is a very serious offense.

    License suspension isn't enough because many people convicted of DUI will simply drive without a license. Their vehicle must be "suspended" as well. Seize the vehicle and it won't be driven. Sell it at auction and the city can get some badly needed money.

    There are too many people being killed and injured by drunk drivers. It's time to put an end to this.

blog comments powered by Disqus

send a tip

tips@gothamist.com