Downstate Drunk Driver Plunged into Pond during Police Pursuit

Traffic Stop in Newburgh

What started out as a relatively routine traffic stop in Downstate New York, quickly turned into an unsuccessful getaway for an alleged drunk driver who ultimately needed to be saved by State Troopers in New York.

According to a press release by the New York State Police, the incident took place on September 15th, when Troopers "observed a 2014 Cadillac traveling north on State Route 9W in the town of Newburgh in violation of numerous vehicle and traffic laws. The trooper initiated a traffic stop."

Drunk Driver Tries Fleeing from Police

A short time after the stop, the driver of the vehicle, Melissa D. Branagan, 38, from the town of Newburgh, tried fleeing from the police and took Troopers on a chase through Newburgh and Marlborough, according to the report.

The Trooper entered the water and was able to remove Branagan through the driver's side window and then successfully swim back to shore with her. She refused medical attention. Further investigation revealed that Branagan was impaired by alcohol. -New York State Police

The pursuit came to an end when "the vehicle drove into a pond on Marchese Drive in the town of Marlborough. Ms. Branagan, the sole occupant of the vehicle was unable to exit as the vehicle began to submerge."

Thankfully for Branagan, the Troopers were able to rescue her from the submerged vehicle and take her back safely to shore "where she refused medical attention" according to police.

State Troopers Issued 50 Tickets

She was charged with felony Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) felony DWAI drugs, Aggravated Unlicensed Operator, and Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle 3rd degree.

She was also issued 50 tickets according to officials.

GNA Hotshots - A Look Back at the Summer of Country Music in Upstate NY

It was an incredible summer for country shows in the area, and we were fortunate to have some of the biggest stars in the industry come to the Capital Region.

Things started to warm up this summer when Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell brought the Hometeam Tour to MVP Arena in June and wrapped when The Chief, Eric Church came to town for the first time in a decade with rising superstar Lainey Wilson.

But MVP Arena and SPAC weren't the only venues rocking out in the summer of 2023, Jackson Dean and Dylan Scott played Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland, Lee Brice hit up a historic venue in Albany, and country legend Tracy Byrd played the Schoharie County Sunshine Fair.

GNA was there for all of these shows, plus a whole lot more, and our amazing photographer Claude Sawyer was front and center, to bring you all the action from the pit.

The Capital Region's 5 Best Dive Bars [RANKED]

Nothing beats a great beer with great friends at your favorite dive bar. These are the spots where the atmosphere is down and dirty, and the atmosphere is an absolute blast. You know, the local spots where it is simply about 'everyone knowing your name' and some succulent suds. These are the Capital Region's 5 best dive bars as voted by our listeners!

See The Capital Region's 10 Best Cider Donuts For 2023 [RANKED]

As we enjoy the last fleeting moments of summer 2023, there is a silver lining to the end of the season. We will soon replace summer concerts with all of our favorite Upstate New York autumn activities like pumpkin picking, leaf peeping, and indulging in our season favorite - CIDER DONUTS! We have a LONG list of great cider donut spots, but to determine the best of the best we once again went to our listeners to determine which ones to visit this year. So Who serves the best cider donuts in the Capital Region? Here are the top 10 for autumn 2023 according to you - with 3 new spots on this year's list!