The former president of Adelphi University in Long Island is facing drunk driving charges after allegedly crashing a BMW into two parked cars and a LIRR truck, going through a fence in the process.
Authorities report that Christine Riordan, 60, who stepped down from her role at Garden City School in June, was arrested following the incident at the Nassau Boulevard Railway Station around 8 p.m. on Tuesday. The crash was said to have caused damage to various parked cars, rail platforms, and railroad tracks.
The Garden City Police Department shared that the investigation revealed a vehicle with two occupants collided with not only the parked cars but also a fender, a train platform pole, and a section of the railroad track.
According to reports, train services were halted in both directions until the vehicle was cleared and necessary repairs were made on the damaged tracks.
Riordan, who had a passenger in the vehicle, is now charged with a misdemeanor for driving while intoxicated. Thankfully, police confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Her lawyer, Stephen Gateman, from Gateman and Russo in Garden City, has denied the accusations against her.
“My client denies the allegations and is eager to present evidence and witnesses to the District Attorney’s Office to back her claim that she wasn’t driving under the influence,” Gateman stated.
He also mentioned, “We believe there was some sort of vehicle malfunction, and we are looking into what caused this sudden acceleration.”
As per reports, Riordan’s driver’s license is currently suspended.
While exact figures regarding her salary as president aren’t readily available, it was reported that she earned over $1 million in 2021, which included salary, bonuses, and other benefits.
