New York State Police arrest highlights serious consequences of driving under the influence with minors present

In the early morning hours of July 5, 2025, a routine traffic stop on Interstate 87 in Clarkstown transformed into a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving with children present. Robens Altidor, a 36-year-old Monsey resident, now faces multiple felony charges after being arrested for driving while intoxicated with three minors in his vehicle.

The Incident

At approximately 12:12 a.m., New York State Police troopers from the Tarrytown barracks initiated a traffic stop on a southbound 2025 Acura for speeding violations. What began as a standard traffic enforcement quickly escalated when the driver, Altidor, exhibited clear signs of intoxication during the initial interview.

Following standard protocol, troopers administered field sobriety tests, which Altidor failed to complete successfully. A subsequent investigation revealed the presence of three children in the vehicle: ages 16, 11, and 4 years old. The minors were safely released to a sober third party at the scene.

Altidor was transported to the State Police Tarrytown barracks for processing, where he provided a breath sample revealing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.09% – exceeding New York’s legal limit of 0.08%.

Legal Consequences Under Leandra’s Law

This arrest carries particularly severe consequences due to New York’s Leandra’s Law, officially known as the Child Passenger Protection Act. Enacted in 2009 following the tragic death of 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, this legislation automatically elevates DWI offenses involving child passengers to felony status.

Altidor faces the following charges:

• Acting in a manner to injure a child less than 17 (3 counts) – A serious charge that can result in misdemeanor or felony penalties depending on circumstances
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – First Offense – Standard DWI charge
• Operating a Motor Vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or Higher – First Offense – Per se DWI violation
• Various vehicle and traffic violations – Related to the initial speeding offense

Understanding the Severity

Under Leandra’s Law, driving while intoxicated with a child aged 15 or younger in the vehicle constitutes a Class E felony, even for first-time offenders. This means Altidor potentially faces:

• Up to 4 years in prison
• Fines ranging from$1,000 to$5,000
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for at least one year
• Automatic license suspension
• Mandatory reporting to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

Child Protective Services Implications

Beyond criminal penalties, this arrest triggers automatic involvement from Child Protective Services (CPS). The agency will likely conduct an investigation to determine if the children were endangered and assess the offender’s fitness as a parent or guardian. This investigation could result in temporary or permanent changes to custody arrangements.

The Broader Impact

Recent enforcement actions across New York State demonstrate law enforcement’s commitment to protecting children from impaired drivers. This case joins others from July 2025, including similar arrests in the Hudson Valley region, highlighting the ongoing prevalence of this dangerous behavior.

Statistics show that children are particularly vulnerable in DWI crashes, with higher rates of serious injury and death compared to adult passengers. Leandra’s Law recognizes this vulnerability by imposing the harshest penalties in the state for such offenses.

Legal Process Ahead

Altidor is scheduled to appear in court on July 30, 2025, where he will face arraignment on the charges. Given the felony nature of the charges under Leandra’s Law, he will likely need experienced legal representation to navigate the complex legal process.

The case will proceed through standard criminal court procedures, including potential plea negotiations, though the strict provisions of Leandra’s Law limit prosecutors’ ability to reduce charges significantly.

Public Safety Message

This incident serves as a critical reminder that driving under the influence with children present carries severe legal and moral consequences. Parents and caregivers must understand that choosing to drive while impaired not only endangers innocent lives but also triggers New York’s most stringent DWI penalties.

The New York State Police continue to emphasize that there is no acceptable excuse for driving while intoxicated, especially with children in the vehicle. Alternative transportation options, including rideshare services, taxis, and designated drivers, are always available.

As this case moves through the legal system, it underscores the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from the devastating consequences of impaired driving through strict enforcement of Leandra’s Law.