Dix Hills man accused of driving drunk, traveling wrong way on LIE

NORTH HILLS (WABC) -- A Long Island man is facing drunken driving charges after police say he drove the wrong way on the Long Island Expressway early Friday, forcing drivers to swerve to avoid him.

The incident happened around 1:30 a.m. in the vicinity of Exit 37 in North Hills.

Authorities say 25-year-old Vincent Messina, of Dix Hills, was observed by a Nassau County Highway Patrol Officer driving a 2013 Smart car eastbound in the westbound lanes.

A car stop was conducted, and the investigation revealed Messina was intoxicated.

He was placed under arrest without incident.

No injuries were reported.

Messina is charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, driving and other vehicle and traffic law violations.