Wrong Car, Wrong Lane: DWI Bust Takes Wild Turn

Many lessons are to be learned from a press release the South Shore Press received from the Suffolk County Sheriff.

Most important: never drink and drive. Second: do not leave your car unlocked, even when parked in your driveway. Third, if you ignore the second, do not leave your key fob in the vehicle.

An alleged impaired-driving arrest in Patchogue delivered all three lessons with a bizarre case of mistaken automotive identity thrown in.

Suffolk County deputy sheriffs arrested Ariel Salgado, 35, of East Patchogue, after allegedly spotting a gray 2020 Mazda CX-5 speeding along Waverly Avenue at approximately 2:50 a.m.

Authorities said the Mazda traveled on the shoulder and failed to remain in its lane. During the traffic stop, deputies allegedly noticed that Salgado had slurred speech, showed signs of impairment and smelled of alcohol.

She performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests and was arrested for allegedly driving while her ability was impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and drugs, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Then came the plot twist: The Mazda had been reported stolen.

Investigators determined Salgado had allegedly left a nearby bar, mistakenly entered another person’s vehicle and drove away. Her own vehicle was reportedly the same make and model, a similar color and parked nearby.

The other Mazda’s owner had inadvertently left the key fob inside, allowing Salgado to enter and start it. Once authorities unraveled the mix-up, the vehicle was returned to its owner, who declined to pursue charges related to its taking.

“Our Deputy Sheriffs remain vigilant in identifying and removing impaired drivers from our roadways before they can cause serious harm,” Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. said.

Toulon also warned motorists never to leave keys or key fobs inside unattended vehicles.

Salgado is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.