Accident in West Nyack leads to DWI arrest

WEST NYACK – A minor car accident in Clarkstown led to the arrest of a West Nyack man for drunk driving on Monday night.

Police responded to reports of an accident on West Nyack Road at 9:20 p.m. When they arrived, they found the vehicle and driver, John Mortsakis, 29, of West Nyack, in a ditch on the side of the road.

While interviewing Mortsakis and determining he had not been injured in the crash, police stated the suspect appeared visibly intoxicated. They administered field sobriety tests, which Mortsakis failed, and placed the suspect under arrest. Mortsakis also reportedly failed a breathalyzer test.

Mortsakis, who has prior DWI offenses on his record, was charged with felony DWI for committing the crime less than 10 years after his prior offense. He was also charged with misdemeanor DWI.

Mortsakis was released on $2,000 bail and is expected to return to court on January 7.