West Nyack: Alleged DWI Crash Injures 4 Kids

A New City man is accused of violating Leandra’s Law after an incident Sunday in which he was accused of driving drunk and crashing into a tree while he had four children in the car.

said Mathew Ouseph, 52, of Arrow Lane, New City, struck a tree on Quail Hollow Lane just before 5 p.m., with the car suffering extensive damage. Police said Ouseph and his four children, ranging in age from 7 to 12, suffered minor injuries and were taken to for treatment.

After police were alerted to the accident by witnesses, town officers went to the scene of the crash and found the car was empty. With additional information from witnesses, police said Ouseph and the children were found at 6 Quail Hollow Lane, where they had walked.

As a result of the accident investigation, Ouseph was charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, and a violation of Leandra’s Law, which makes it a felony to drive drunk with children in a vehicle. Police said Ouseph was also charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

The wrecked car was towed away.

Ouseph was released pending an Oct. 26 hearing in Clarkstown Town Court in New City.