Amsterdam Woman Arrested for Aggravated DWI with Six Children in Vehicle
On July 2, 2025, at approximately 8:00 p.m., New York State Police in Greenwich arrested Cassie L. Waldynski, a 38-year-old resident of Amsterdam, NY, on multiple criminal charges. The incident unfolded after troopers received a report of a vehicle being operated unsafely with children inside near State Route 22 in Granville, NY.
The vehicle, matching the description provided by the complainant, was later located on County Route 31 in Hebron, NY. Upon initiating a traffic stop, officers discovered that six children under the age of 16 were present in the car along with Waldynski driving. Following standard protocols, Waldynski was taken into custody, and the children were promptly handed over to a trusted family friend to ensure their immediate safety.
At the State Police facility in Greenwich, it was determined that Waldynski’s blood alcohol content (BAC) registered at an alarming 0.24%, which significantly exceeds the legal limit. She now faces charges including Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child under Leandra’s Law, six counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and several other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The severity of these charges is underscored by the provisions of Leandra’s Law, a statute enacted to protect children in vehicles by imposing stringent penalties on impaired drivers.
Following her processing, Waldynski was issued tickets and scheduled for an appearance in Hebron Town Court on July 21, 2025. She was released to a sober third party under conditions designed to ensure public safety and compliance with legal requirements.
Leandra’s Law and Its Implications
Leandra’s Law, also known as the Child Passenger Protection Act, mandates that driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle is an automatic felony in New York State. This law, established after the tragic death of Leandra Rosado in 2009, enforces rigorous penalties including significant jail time, mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices, and automatic reporting to child protective services. The law’s stringent measures reflect New York’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable passengers and deterring impaired driving behaviors.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
In response to the incident, local law enforcement and child welfare agencies have reiterated their commitment to protecting children from the dangers associated with impaired driving. Officers have increased traffic safety patrols and community outreach efforts to heighten awareness of the grave consequences of violating Leandra’s Law. Public safety officials emphasize that every case involving a child passenger is taken with the utmost seriousness and that strict legal consequences serve not only as a deterrent but also as a means to protect community well-being.
For additional details, interested parties may refer to the official New York State Police press release on this matter.
