The incident happened on the westbound Southern State Parkway in Valley Stream, near exit 13, at around 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18.
New York State Police said a Honda Odyssey was stopped in the center lane, causing other vehicles to change lanes and collide. After clearing the wreck, the trooper approached the Honda as it sat on the shoulder.
While interviewing the driver, 35-year-old Kelvin Almonte, of Brooklyn, the trooper suspected that Almonte was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. A DWI investigation confirmed that he was indeed impaired, police said.
As the trooper attempted to arrest him, Almonte became uncooperative and a struggle ensued. An off-duty Nassau County Police Department sergeant arrived and helped get Almonte into custody.
The trooper suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation.
Almonte faces several charges, including driving while ability impaired, obstructing governmental administration, and resisting arrest.
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