Man Attempts Barefoot Escape to New York After Drunk Driving Accident

A New York resident attempted an innovative evasion of police after flipping his vehicle in Mahwah, New Jersey, on November 27. Officers found him walking alone, barefoot and splattered with mud, less than a mile from the New York state line.

Nicholas Panebianco, 26, lives in Airmont, New York, and after Mahwah police finally found him – his flipped 2017 Dodge pickup truck had been called in earlier – he confessed to having been driving the overturned truck and, according to Officer Christopher Fasulo, had a “strong odor of alcohol” on his breath.

Upon discovering the unoccupied truck, which was lying on its side in the woods near the intersection of Miller Road and E. Mahwah Road, police called in a K-9 officer to help find the driver. He had apparently exited the wrecked truck and then, according to a witness, disappeared into the woods. He was found on Airmont Avenue, apparently having decided to walk home across the state line.

Panebianco was ultimately taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for observation, and has been charged with DWI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and failing to report an accident.

If you’re facing DWI charges in New Jersey, you need experienced help right away to limit your exposure to our state’s tough drunk driving penalties. Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-378-9272 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey DWI defense lawyer.