Brooklyn troopers arrest two drivers for drunk driving during overnight patrol in separate incidents

Brooklyn, New York – Troopers in Brooklyn were busy over the weekend, taking two motorists off the road in separate incidents tied to driving while intoxicated. Both arrests came during the overnight hours between Saturday night, August 23, and the early morning of Sunday, August 24, 2025.

The first arrest happened late Saturday evening on 2nd Avenue. Patrol officers from Troop NYC spotted a grey Honda minivan weaving in and out of its lane. The erratic driving quickly drew their attention, leading them to initiate a traffic stop. Inside the vehicle, troopers found open alcohol containers and soon determined that the driver, 31-year-old Luis Daniel Cruz Martinez of Brooklyn, was impaired behind the wheel.

Cruz Martinez was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated – First Offense, along with multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was taken into custody, processed at the NYPD’s 78th Precinct, and later transferred to Brooklyn Central Booking, where he awaits arraignment.

Read also: State Police continue investigation into fatal tour bus crash that killed five people and injured many others in Genesee County

Not long after, just hours into the new day, another motorist came under scrutiny. At approximately the early morning hours of August 24, troopers on patrol along 3rd Avenue noticed a black Chrysler minivan speeding through a red light and swerving dangerously. Officers conducted a stop and quickly realized the driver was intoxicated.

The motorist, identified as 50-year-old Cesar Catana-Baltazar of Brooklyn, was found to have a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit. Catana-Baltazar now faces charges of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While Intoxicated – First Offense, as well as several Vehicle and Traffic Law infractions. He was also brought to the 78th Precinct for processing and later booked into Brooklyn Central Booking pending arraignment.

Officials say the two arrests underscore the ongoing risks posed by drunk drivers in New York City. The New York State Police issued a reminder for community members to make responsible choices when consuming alcohol and to consider alternatives before getting behind the wheel. “If you plan to drink, have a plan: Have a designated driver, call a car-service, or take public transportation. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

Read also: Traveling Tigers program helps Saunders students explore business careers and build connections with future employers

Both men remain in custody awaiting their next steps in court, but authorities stressed that their swift arrests likely prevented more serious outcomes on Brooklyn’s busy streets. With summer nightlife still in full swing and weekend gatherings common, troopers say the vigilance will continue.

For law enforcement, the overnight tour illustrated how quickly routine patrols can shift into life-saving interventions. A single vehicle swerving across lanes or flying through a red light can turn tragic within seconds. By removing two impaired drivers in just a few hours, troopers say they hope to send a strong message: drunk driving will not be tolerated, and those who take the risk will face serious consequences.

As the cases move forward, officials are urging residents not only to comply with the law but to think about the safety of everyone sharing the road. Whether it’s friends, family, or strangers walking home, every decision to drive while intoxicated endangers lives.