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Eric J. Bulinski, 32, was arrested after driving his 2009 Subaru Impreza into the side of the popular pub around 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, said Town of Poughkeepsie Police Capt. Kevin Faber.
Bulinski, who was charged with driving while ability impaired by the use of drugs and aggravated unlicensed operation, reportedly had to be brought back to life with three vials of Narcan following the crash, according to the pub's owner Paula Young.
"He was dead on the scene, but because of the quick and brave actions taken by my Chef Justin, my bartender Traci Albertson Carolei, two customers and the swift response of the police and the Arlington Fire Department who administered 3 doses of Narcan, the driver was brought back to life, Young said.
Young said three of her customers narrowly missed "being killed" by the vehicle when the crash occurred. She added that once the car plowed into the building her employees ran to the car and found Bulinski blue in the face and not moving.
They pulled him from the vehicle and brought him inside the restaurant where one of the customers performed CPR until firefighters arrived and administered the Narcan.
"This opioid crisis has got to stop," she said. "More and more people are dying but instead innocent bystanders are being injured or killed."
She plans to hold a town hall-type meeting with drug experts and city officials to try and bring light to the subject.
"The building can be repaired," she added. "But if someone had been killed there is nothing to be done."
The building, located at 2186 New Hackensack Rd., suffered heavy damage both inside and out and had to close until extensive repairs can be made after being deemed unsafe by the Town of Poughkeepsie building inspector, Faber said.
Bulinski sustained only minor injuries but was transported to the hospital. No one inside the business was injured.
He is being held at the Dutchess County Jail in lieu of $40,000 cash or $80,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 6.
The Town of Poughkeepsie Police was assisted by the Arlington Fire Department and Mobile Life Support Services.
The department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact police at 845-485-3680.
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