Video shows prior DUI arrest for officer in wrong-way crash
Newly released police dashboard camera video shows the Linden police officer involved in Friday's wrong-way crash on Staten Island getting pulled over for drunken driving back in 2013. In the video,
News 12 Staff
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Mar 26, 2015, 6:39 AM
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Updated 3,312 days ago
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Newly released police dashboard camera video shows the Linden police officer involved in Friday's wrong-way crash on Staten Island getting pulled over for drunken driving back in 2013.
In the video, Officer Pedro Abad is heard repeatedly asking for an officer at the scene who Abad says he knows from "the academy."
The video was taken after Abad crashed into a parked car in Rahway. It also shows officers attempting to get him to complete a field sobriety test, which he fails before officers put him in handcuffs.
The police report from the incident says Abad smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and that his eyes were droopy, bloodshot and watery.
As a result of the arrest, Abad's license was suspended for 210 days and an ignition lock was placed on his car for another 180 days.
The 2013 drunken driving arrest was not Abad's first.
He was also issued summonses for DUI and careless driving in 2011 after jumping a curb and slamming into the side of the New Way Supermarket in Roselle.
The police report shows Abad went to the hospital and had his blood drawn, but the results were marked "pending." The crash is listed only as an accident on Abad's state driving record.
Abad was also issued a citation for using a cellphone while driving after he crashed his car back in 2012.
All these incidents happened while Abad was on the Linden police force. Linden police have not commented on the incidents.
The NYPD is investigating whether alcohol played a role in Friday's crash.
Abad and fellow officer Patrick Kudlac remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Linden Officer Frank Viggiano and friend Joe Rodriguez, both 28, were killed in the crash.
Funeral services were held Wednesday for Joe Rodriguez while funeral services for Officer Frank Viggiano are set for Thursday.
