Watch CBS News

Man Accused Of Driving Drunk With 3 Kids In Vehicle On Long Island

HAMPTON BAYS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A father stood accused Thursday of taking his children on what authorities say could have been a death ride – driving at unthinkable speeds while drunk.

As CBS2's Emily Smith reported, Mark E. Palmer, a 49-year-old father of three, was also arrested on driving while intoxicated charges just weeks ago.

Palmer, of Glen Cove, was spotted around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday in his Dodge Ram pickup truck -- driving 106 mph on the eastbound Sunrise Highway west of Exit 65 in Hampton Bays, New York State Police said.

His three children were in the back seat – ages 6, 9, and 11, state police said.

"That's inexcusable, especially with kids in the car," one driver said.

According to state police, Palmer failed sobriety tests, which led to charges including aggravated DWI and endangering the welfare of child.

Police said this was not his first DWI arrest. Nassau County police reported pulling him over on similar charges on Dec. 12.

Charges in the earlier alleged incident included driving while intoxicated. In the earlier case, there were no reports of any children being in the vehicle.

CBS2 stopped by Palmer's home in Glen Cove, 65 miles from the alleged DWI location. His Dodge pickup was parked in the driveway, but no one answered the door.

Those who live directly next door to Palmer declined to comment. But other Glen Cove residents had strong feelings.

"I think that constitutes child abuse, and I think someone should look into whether his kids belong with him or not, and I think that after a second DWI, he should go to jail," one neighbor said.

A judge released Palmer on $4,900 bail at his arraignment.

The children were not injured. They were released to a family member shortly after their father's arrest.

Check Out These Other Stories From CBSNewYork.com:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.