Arrest of Santiago Ramirez Canela for Aggravated DWI and Child Endangerment in Greenburgh, NY
In a serious incident on the night of June 22, 2025, State Police in Greenburgh, New York, arrested Santiago Ramirez Canela, 46, of Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. The arrest was made on multiple charges, including Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, as well as additional vehicle and traffic violations.
At approximately 11:22 p.m., while patrolling the northbound lanes of I-87 in Greenburgh, troopers observed a 2022 Toyota Highlander veering out of its lane. The erratic driving prompted an immediate traffic stop. Upon making contact, officers identified the driver as Ramirez Canela. During the roadside interview the officers noted unmistakable signs of impairment. They proceeded to administer a series of standardized field sobriety tests, which he failed, confirming the suspicion of intoxication.
A critical aspect of the investigation was the discovery that two children were present in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Under New York law, the presence of a minor during a DWI incident can elevate charges substantially. In accordance with Leandra’s Law, which imposes harsher penalties when children are endangered, the offense was charged as Aggravated DWI. The legal framework in New York explicitly mandates stricter consequences when a driver’s condition poses additional risks to vulnerable passengers, particularly minors.
Following the traffic stop, Ramirez Canela was taken into custody and transported to SP Tarrytown for further processing. During processing, his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was recorded at 0.08%. Although this BAC is precisely at the legal limit for standard DWI offenses, the presence of children led authorities to pursue aggravated charges. In New York State, Aggravated DWI carries more severe penalties than a typical DWI arrest. Under these charges, in addition to facing significant fines, the accused may face a mandatory jail sentence, suspension of driving privileges, and the installation of ignition interlock devices.
The charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child further complicates the case. New York Penal Law prohibits actions that place minors in harm’s way. The fact that two children were inside the vehicle while their guardian was operating a vehicle under impairment conditions is a matter of grave concern to both law enforcement and child welfare agencies. Such charges are intended to protect children from situations likely to result in physical, mental, or emotional harm.
Authorities have scheduled a court appearance for Ramirez Canela on July 8, 2025. In the meantime, investigators continue to review all aspects of the incident, emphasizing the importance of road safety and the protection of minors. The case serves as a stern reminder of the enhanced legal consequences for impaired driving when it endangers the lives and well-being of children.
