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Published on January 13, 2025
Long Island Mother Charged with DWI and Child Endangerment After Disturbance in MineolaSource: Google Street View

A recent incident on Long Island has raised alarm over driving under the influence and child endangerment. Nassau County Police Department arrested and charged a woman, identified as Elizabeth Maldonado, 34, for driving while intoxicated (DWI) with four underage passengers in her vehicle. The situation unfolded after a family dispute in a Mineola restaurant escalated into physical violence, followed by the alleged drunk driving incident involving minors. PIX11 reported that Maldonado punched her 34-year-old husband in the face during the altercation.

Authorities were alerted to the conflict at the couple's Hicksville residence yesterday evening, when officers arrived after an 11:10 p.m. call. According to the details shared by Patch.com, the husband had called 911 claiming that his wife had left the restaurant with their three children, ages 6, 7, and 14, and another 14-year-old boy, after assaulting him. The vehicle, a 2022 Dodge Durango, had returned to the home with the children by the time officers responded to the scene.

The Nassau County Police disclosed that investigation on site demonstrated signs of intoxication, leading to Maldonado's arrest without resistance. She faces multiple charges, including four counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger less than 16 years old, under Leandra's Law, and counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and aggravated DWI. "Elizabeth Maldonado was accused of being drunk and arrested," detailed the report by PIX11.

As of the latest updates, Maldonado was scheduled for arraignment today following the arrest. The severity and multiplicity of the charges underscore the seriousness with which New York state treats DWI offenses, especially those involving minors. Driving with children in the car while intoxicated, Ms. Maldonado was charged under Leandra’s Law, which imposes strict penalties on offenders to address this kind of reckless conduct, as reported by Patch.com.