Police: Intoxicated Woman Drove Wrong Way On Long Island Highway

BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island woman is facing several charges after police said she drove the wrong way on a highway while intoxicated.

Police received multiple 911 calls early Friday morning about a driver going the wrong way on the northbound Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, 1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reported.

Highway Patrol Sgt. John Maclean said potential tragedy was averted because luckily a highway patrol officer was nearby.

"[He] activated his overhead lights and sirens, pulled next to the vehicle; at that time the vehicle slowed but did not stop. This forced the highway patrol car to pull in front of the vehicle, blocking it's path down the roadway, ultimately forcing it to stop," Maclean said.

Police pulled over the vehicle safely between exits 7 and 8 in Bethpage.

Officers found the driver, identified as 58-year-old Maureen Hamilton of East Rockaway, was intoxicated and placed her under arrest, police said.

She is charged with driving while intoxicated, second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and driving the wrong way on a one way street.

As Rivera reported, Hamilton pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance. Hamilton's license has also been suspended.

She is due back in court on Dec. 18.

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