Ariel Salgado, 35, was arrested on Long Island on Saturday after allegedly driving while ability impaired by alcohol and drugs, according to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office. Salgado is accused of leaving a Patchogue bar and entering a 2020 gray Mazda CX-5, which was identical to her own vehicle parked nearby.
The owner of the stolen vehicle had reportedly left the keys inside the car. Shortly after driving away, Salgado was pulled over by deputies for speeding and driving on the shoulder. Authorities noted that her speech was slurred and she performed poorly on field sobriety tests.
Upon running the license plates, deputies discovered the car had been reported stolen. The vehicle was returned to its owner, who declined to press charges for the theft. Salgado was charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and drugs, in addition to traffic violations for speeding, driving on the shoulder, and failing to use a lane.
It remains unclear what specific drugs Salgado may have taken. She was arraigned later the same day, pleaded not guilty to all charges, and is scheduled to return to court on August 21. Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. reminded the public to never leave keys or key fobs inside vehicles and emphasized the importance of vigilant efforts to remove impaired drivers from roadways.