WESTMORELAND, ONEIDA COUNTY -- The owner of the Market Diner in Syracuse was arrested for DWI following an incident on the Thruway in Westmoreland on Friday. Police say his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit and after being arrested made racial slurs.
According to State Police, around 4:13 p.m., Oneida County 911 received multiple reports that an erratic red pick-up truck was heading east on Interstate 90.
State Police went to the area and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Police say a good samaritan driving a tractor trailer, who was not identified, helped police by slowing down the traffic behind him and blocking both lanes. Police say the rolling road block protected other innocent drivers from the danger.
When the driver of the Dodge finally pulled over at the Westmoreland toll plaza, police say he left his truck while it was still in drive. Troopers then got the truck off the road.
Police identified the driver of the truck as Anthony M. Imbesi, owner of the Market Diner in Syracuse. Troopers who interviewed Imbesi said he was "highly intoxicated, combative and verbally abusive." After he was arrested and taken in for processing, troopers say he "continued his barrage of racial slurs and uncooperative behavior."
According to police, Imbesi's blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
Imbesi was charged with Felony Aggravated DWI, Felony DWI due to a previous DWI conviction, Failure to Obey a Police Officer, Open Alcohol Container in a Motor Vehicle as well as multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. Police say further charges for Aggravated Harassment are pending at this time.
Imbesi was arraigned in the Town of Verona Court and released on $10,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Westmoreland Court Wednesday at 3 p.m.
