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