Police: Monroe Woman Drove Drunk With Toddlers, Caused 4-Car Accident

A Hudson Valley mother is accused of causing a drunken four-car crash with her two young children in the car.

Monroe Police responded late Wednesday night to reports of a multi-car accident on McElroy Place.

Officers located 39-year-old Christine Podesta of Monroe who is accused of causing the accident.

Police say when they spoke with Podesta they quickly realized she had been drinking prior to the accident. Authorities also found her two young children, ages 5 and 3, in the car.

Luckily the children were not injured.

Podesta allegedly failed alcohol tests on the scene and was arrested. Her children were transported to Monroe Police Department, evaluated, and returned home to their father.

Podesta provided a breath test, which police say revealed her blood alcohol content was .20%.

Podesta was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated with a child less than 16 years of age as a passenger under Leandra’s Law, a felony, aggravated driving while intoxicated and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors.

Podesta was remanded to the Orange County Jail on $7,500 cash over $15,000 bond.

Police did not report any injuries from the other drivers.