New York State Police prevent disaster during high-speed chase in Babylon, as reckless driver, allegedly intoxicated, leads authorities on a dangerous pursuit before finally being arrested

Babylon, New York – On the evening of March 8, 2025, a routine law enforcement presence near a road closure in Babylon turned into a high-stakes pursuit when a reckless driver disregarded multiple warnings and put lives in jeopardy.

New York State Police Troopers, alongside the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, were engaged in an unrelated investigation when a black Lincoln suddenly sped past the barricades set up by the Department of Transportation (DOT), as confirmed in a news release. The vehicle, missing a front tire, was traveling at an alarming speed westbound on the Southern State Parkway, east of Exit 37.

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What followed was a chaotic and dangerous sequence of events. Recognizing the immediate risk to public safety, a New York State Trooper initiated a pursuit, attempting to bring the vehicle to a stop before it could cause harm.

As the car barreled down the roadway, it nearly struck an investigator from the New York State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, an incident that could have turned tragic in a split second. Despite clear commands and repeated efforts to halt the driver, he refused to comply, showing no regard for the lives around him.

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The pursuit ended only when the disabled vehicle, struggling to function on three wheels, finally came to a stop. Even then, the driver, later identified as 31-year-old Kenneth A. Salgado of Bethpage, did not exit his car immediately. Troopers issued multiple orders for him to step out, and after a tense delay, he finally emerged and was swiftly taken into custody.

Once in police control, it became clear that Salgado was not just an erratic driver—officers immediately suspected he was under the influence of alcohol. His slurred speech and unsteady movements pointed toward impairment, yet he refused to submit to a breath test. This defiance, coupled with his reckless disregard for traffic laws, added to the severity of the charges against him.

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Salgado was transported to the Suffolk County 3rd Precinct, where he remained in custody overnight before facing arraignment the following day. Authorities charged him with multiple offenses, including Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), a first-time unclassified misdemeanor, as well as Reckless Endangerment in the first degree, a D felony. Additionally, he faced charges for Resisting Arrest, Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle, and numerous violations of New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law.

This incident underscores the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining road safety and preventing potentially devastating accidents. The swift actions of the New York State Police likely prevented serious injuries—or worse—for both officers on duty and unsuspecting motorists on the parkway that evening. The fact that Salgado was operating a severely damaged vehicle while allegedly intoxicated only amplifies the danger of impaired driving and the importance of strict enforcement.

The New York State Police remain steadfast in their commitment to keeping the public safe, often placing themselves in harm’s way to prevent reckless individuals from endangering others. Their vigilance and dedication ensured that what could have been a disastrous event was contained without injury or loss of life.

As Salgado now faces legal consequences for his actions, this case serves as yet another stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the unforgiving reality of making reckless choices behind the wheel.