Witnesses Consider Breaking Window to Reach Unconscious and Drugged Out Driver

Niagara Falls Police responded to the intersection of 23rd and Pine Avenue around 4:30am on May 22nd after reports that a male driver was unconscious.

Upon arrival, officers attempted to speak with a male driving a white 2017 Lincoln MKC. In and out of consciousness, the male was slowly driving the vehicle and did not appear to comprehend what the officers were saying.

Once the vehicle was stopped, placed in park and turned off, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was asked for his driver’s license. The driver repeatedly fumbled with his documents and was unable to produce his driver’s license.

He had to be redirected multiple times and was still unsuccessful. Niagara Falls Fire Department and AMR arrived on scene but the driver refused medical treatment.

Witnesses reported that the male was stopped in the driving lane and slumped over the steering wheel for approximately 10 minutes. They reported that they were pounding on the window and considering breaking the window.

Officers observed items in the center console of vehicle which contained suspected drugs. Officers then evaluated the male for impairment.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: The driver was instructed how to do this test and repeatedly said he did not understand the instructions. He had trouble placing his feet together and keeping his hands at his sides and required multiple prompts to do so.

Walk and Turn: The male walked off the line multiple times, missed multiple heel-to-toe steps, and used his arms for balance. The male blamed his difficulty with this test on a “broken left ankle.”

Modified Romberg Balance Test: The male had to be reminded to keep his head tilted back. He displayed a slow internal clock, indicative of impairment.

The male provided a preliminary breath test negative for alcohol. Additional suspected narcotics were found on his person and he was placed under arrest.

He was transported to police headquarters for booking and processing. The vehicle was impounded with a 12-hour hold.

The male’s driving privileges were found to be revoked with 8 total suspensions (6 scoffs on five dates).

He refused all chemical tests in this case. No further information is available at this time.

Witnesses Consider Breaking Window to Reach Unconscious and Drugged Out Driver