'Hero' Westchester Teen Stops Alleged Drunk Driver
YORKTOWN, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A quick-thinking teenager is getting the credit for stopping a suspected drunk driver, using his own car to get the job done.
Police told CBS 2's Derricke Dennis the woman, who allegedly struck the teen's car on Tuesday night, had a blood-alcohol level of more than five times the legal limit.
Max Yovane, 17, is a hero among his friends and family. The Somers teen was in his car, driving with a friend, when his vehicle was hit on the driver's side.
"I didn't even see it coming, and she flew past me and sideswiped the side of my car," Yovane said.
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Police said Yovane's car was struck by 25-year-old Kathryn Angi, who was so drunk that she had to be hospitalized.
"I think it's pretty scary because she could have really hurt us, or even one of my friends," Yovane said.
He said he really didn't know who he was dealing with behind the wheel, but that he knew he had to stop the woman in her tracks. So he decided to cut her off and got her to stop the car.
"She was laughing, crying, trying to talk, trying to apologize," he said.
"I'm proud of him for stopping her," his mother, Annie Yovane, said.
The incident brought back a terrible memory for Max's mother.
"My mother was killed by a drunk driver when I was 13, so it had a bit of an effect on us," she said.
"There was actually…there was a bottle right in the center console," Yovane said.
Angi was charged with aggravated DUI, and she's scheduled to head to court next Monday.
In the meantime, Max's car needs some major TLC.
"I really like this car a lot, and I'm pretty upset about it, but at least we're not hurt," he said.
The minor damage that night could have been much worse had it not been for Max's courageous act.
Max just got his driver's license four months ago. His parents said they may reward his bravery with a brand new car.
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