Drunk Driver Hits Police Patrol Car on New Hyde Park Rd in North New Hyde Park, NY

North New Hyde Park, NY (June 17, 2026) – A man was arrested on drunk driving charges early Tuesday morning, June 16, after his sedan rear-ended a Nassau County police patrol vehicle near the intersection of New Hyde Park Road and Aberdeen Road.

The crash happened at 4:20 a.m. Rene Dominguez Alonso, 38, of North New Hyde Park, was behind the wheel of a gray 2004 Infiniti when it struck the patrol car from behind. A second patrol unit in the area on an unrelated assignment witnessed the collision.

Alonso remained at the scene while officers investigated. They determined he was intoxicated and took him into custody without incident. The officer whose vehicle was hit was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Alonso was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a BAC exceeding 1%, and Assault in the Third Degree. He was scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Tuesday, June 16.

The investigation remains active. 

We wish the injured officer a smooth and complete recovery.

Can a Police Officer Sue a Drunk Driver After a Crash in North New Hyde Park, NY?

Yes, in New York, a police officer hurt in a crash caused by a drunk driver can pursue a personal injury claim against that driver, just as any other person could. While officers are sometimes limited by the "firefighter's rule," which restricts claims for injuries tied directly to the inherent risks of the job, being rear-ended by an intoxicated driver while on routine patrol has been treated differently by New York courts. 

Officers and civilians alike can face serious physical consequences after a rear-end crash caused by an intoxicated driver; this includes whiplash, spinal injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage are common even at moderate speeds. 

When the at-fault driver also faces criminal charges, the evidence gathered in the criminal case can support a parallel civil claim for compensation. A drunk driving accident attorney can help identify all available avenues of recovery, this includes damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In New York, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the crash. However, it is important to know that claims that involve a government employee or municipality may require a Notice of Claim to be filed within 90 days of the accident. If victims miss that window, it can bar them from pursuing compensation entirely, regardless of how strong the underlying case may be.

If you or someone you know was hurt in a collision caused by an impaired driver, metrolaw.com/ is available to help. We can evaluate the details of your case and explain to you what your possible next steps may be considering New York law. 

We invite you to reach metrolaw.com/ (800) 469-6476 to speak with our team about your accident and understand your options.