Christopher Webb, 32, of White Plains, was hit with a variety of charges, including driving while intoxicated, after a serious auto accident in Dutchess County at 9:11 p.m. Friday, according to State Police.
A 2008 Volkswagen Beetle driven by Webb crashed on West Dover Road in the Town of Pawling, hitting a tree at a high rate of speed. The impact uprooted the tree and overturned the car and sent the car into a nearby home’s driveway and hitting another tree.
Webb was trapped, upside down, in the car, but was held in place by his seatbelt. A passenger, Carmelo B. Rivera, 60, of Windgate, sustained a large cut to his head but was able to get out of the car.
Webb’s airway was damaged and he was initially left unconscious from the crash. Webb was pulled from the wreck by state troopers, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Deputies and Pawling firefighters.
State police said a strong odor of alcoholic beverage was noted on Webb’s breath. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital by TransCare Ambulance with head trauma, lung contusions, and possible spinal fractures. Although serious, none of Webb's injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
Rivera was also transported to St. Francis Hospital, treated for his head injury, and later discharged.
Webb was interviewed by troopers at St. Francis Hospital. He submitted to a blood test and was charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st Degree, a felony, after a police investigation revealed that his driver's license was suspended earlier this year pending prosecution for an alcohol- or drug-related driving offense.
Webb was also charged with misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated, Driving at an Unreasonable and Imprudent Speed, and Moving from Lane Unsafely. He was issued tickets to appear in the Town of Pawling Court on July 24 and released to the hospital medical staff.
