Driver charged with DWI after rollover crash

Monday, September 8, 2025 - 15:05

GUILDERLAND — A two-car rollover crash on the Thruway has led to a drunk-driving charge.

Just after midnight on Sunday, Sept. 7, Benjamin Zirra, 59, was traveling east in the westbound lane of Interstate 90 near Exit 25, when he struck another car, according to a release from State Police.

“Both vehicles rolled over and came to rest on the right shoulder of the embankment,” the release said.

Zirra did not report any injuries and declined medical attention, police said, and the driver of the car he hit and its front-seat passenger were not injured. However, a rear-seat passenger in the struck car was taken by Guilderland EMS to Albany Medical Center for treatment of an injured shoulder.

The responding State Trooper “detected a strong odor of alcohol,” the release said, and Zirra failed field sobriety tests. He was placed into custody for driving while intoxicated.

He is to appear in Guilderland Town Court on Oct. 2.

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