Wrong way drunk driver admits guilt after LIE crash leaves victim seriously hurt

Mineola, NY — A Hempstead man admitted in court to driving the wrong way on the Long Island Expressway while intoxicated and causing a head-on crash that left another driver with severe injuries.

Jorge Arias Reyes, 50, pleaded guilty on April 20 to aggravated vehicular assault, second-degree assault, and aggravated driving while intoxicated in connection to the May 18, 2025 crash near Exit 37 in Roslyn.

Prosecutors said Reyes entered the eastbound lanes while traveling westbound around 7:00 a.m. and continued driving in the wrong direction for several miles. During that time, he sideswiped one vehicle before colliding head-on with a 2014 Toyota Prius driven by a 51-year-old man.

The victim was transported to North Shore University Hospital with a fractured tibia and a dislocated hip.

Authorities said Reyes was also taken to the hospital, where a blood test revealed a blood alcohol content of .26%, more than three times the legal limit.

He was arrested shortly after the crash by Nassau County police.

Reyes is expected to be sentenced to between 5 and 9 years in prison when he returns to court on June 12.

────────────────────────────────

Key Points

Hempstead man pleads guilty in wrong-way LIE crash
Blood alcohol level measured at .26%, over three times legal limit
Victim suffered serious injuries including fractured leg and dislocated hip

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News