Drunk Driver Intercepted by Mayor Newhard Pleads Guilty, Gets Up To Three Years in Prison
Matthew Labar, 42, of Goshen had a blood alcohol level of .33%, four times the legal level when tested after the encounter.
Matthew Labar, 42, of Goshen, was seen stumbling on Main Street in Warwick on July 29, 2023. Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard saw Labar and attempted to help him, according to testimony. When Labar got into his vehicle, Newhard took his keys. Labar then used spare keys to start the vehicle and began driving while Newhard hung from the window. Labar struck numerous parked cars in the parking lot where they were. A passing United States Park Police officer saw what was happening and subdued Labar until Warwick Police officers could respond and take Labar into custody. Newhard suffered minor injuries.
A subsequent chemical test revealed that Labar’s blood alcohol content was 0.33%, over four times the legal limit. He pled guilty in Orange County Court to Operating a Motor Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol (DWI) as a felony. Under the plea agreement announced on the record at the time that Labar pled guilty, he will face up to one to three years in prison when he is sentenced on April 12, 2024.
“I commend Mayor Newhard for his selfless and quick-thinking actions that likely prevented what could have been a terrible tragedy,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “Drunk drivers put us all at risk through their careless decisions.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mangold.
Community focused news can only succeed with community support. Please consider the various subscription levels.