4 Kids In Car As Bronx Woman Arrested For Felony DWI On Thruway

NEWBURGH, NY — A Bronx woman was arrested after potentially putting the lives of four children in danger on a Husdon Valley highway, according to New York State Police.

On Sunday, New York State Police Troopers assigned to Newburgh arrested Paulina A. Cepeda-Lema, and charged her with four counts of felony aggravated DWI with a passenger less than 16 (DWI Leandra’s Law), and four counts of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.

At 5:32 a.m., troopers pulled over a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox traveling southbound on the New York State Thruway (I-87) in the Newburgh. Troopers reported noticing signs of intoxication, and Standard field sobriety tests were administered, which indicated impairment, according to NYSP. Four children were present in the vehicle at the time, ranging in age from 6 to 14.

The 30-year-old was placed into custody and taken to SP Newburgh, where she registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 percent, according to NYSP. In addition to DWI and endangering the welfare of a child, Cepeda-Lema was given several traffic tickets.

She was released to a sober third party and is due in Newburgh Town Court on Dec. 7. The children were turned over to a sober third party.

The New York State Police used the case as an opportunity to urge drivers to use the STOP-DWI Have a Plan app to help them get home safely. The free app allows users to contact a taxi service or ride share, program a designated-driver list, or report a suspected impaired driver.