Head-On I-84 Hit-And-Run Driver Had 0.13 BAC When Arrested: New York State Police

EAST FISHKILL, NY — An interstate highway hit-and-run crash has led to an arrest.

On Sunday, at 4:51 p.m., New York State Police in East Fishkill responded to a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 84 west, near mile marker 42.4.

One of the drivers involved had fled the scene.

Investigators said that 31-year-old Oscar E. Barahona, of Lynbrook, was driving a 2007 Honda east on Interstate 84, when he attempted to make a turn through the center median. Barahona entered the westbound lanes, swerving across all lanes of travel before striking a 2025 Toyota head-on. That car was driven by 66-year-old John Rota, of Pleasant Valley.

Rota suffered what were described as non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Luke's Hospital.

Barahona, who fled the scene following the crash, was found soon after, according to NYSP. Troopers said he exhibited signs of intoxication.

Barahona refused medical attention and Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered. He was taken into custody and transported to SP East Fishkill for processing, where he submitted to a chemical breath test that yielded a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.13 percent, according to police.

Barahona was charged with reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, driving while intoxicated, and operating a motor vehicle with 0.08 percent or more alcohol in blood.

Barahona was issued traffic citations and an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Fishkill Court on Oct. 22, and was later turned over to the Town of Newburgh Police Department.