New York State Police report that on Friday February 3, 2012 at approximately 4:13 PM, Oneida County 911 Center began receiving multiple reports of an erratic red Dodge pick up truck traveling east on Interstate 90 in the Town of Westmoreland. The vehicle was reported as all over the road traveling from shoulder to shoulder. State Police responded to the area, observed the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. A Good Samaritan driving a tractor trailer, who was not identified, assisted State Police by slowing down the traffic behind him and blocking both lanes. This rolling road block protected other innocent drivers from the danger.
When the driver of the Dodge finally pulled over at the Westmoreland toll plaza, he exited his vehicle while it was still in drive. Troopers reacted quickly and removed the vehicle from the road before any injuries or property damage occurred. The vehicle was later impounded.
The operator of the vehicle was identified as Anthony M. Imbesi, owner of the Market Diner in Syracuse. Troopers interviewed Imbesi and discovered he was highly intoxicated, combative and verbally abusive. Imbesi was arrested and transported to SP Syracuse station for processing. There, he continued his barrage of racial slurs and uncooperative behavior. Imbesi’s blood alcohol level was obtained and revealed at three times the legal limit, a Felony in NY State.
Imbesi was charged with Felony Aggravated DWI, Felony DWI due to a previous DWI conviction, Failure to Obey a Police Officer, Open Alcohol Container in a Motor Vehicle as well as multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations. Further charges for Aggravated Harassment are pending at this time.
Imbesi was arraigned in the Town of Verona Court and released on $10,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in the Town of Westmoreland Court on February 8, 2012 at 3:00 PM.
Maybe Elaine wants to dump Tony!
An email was sent to DWIHitParade.com on Feb. 8, 2012 claiming that Anthony Imbesi is not the owner of the Market Diner and threatening “legal action” unless this news story is changed. The way this works is that we dig around to see what other information, aside from that provided by the New York State Police, is available. The following was found on the website of the
Market Diner:
From the mural on the far wall, the 50’s looking tables, and pie display, Market Diner shows a class of its own.
Located just off Park Street by the farmer’s market, Market Diner is owned and operated by Elaine and Tony Imbesi.
The thing that sets Market Diner apart from the rest is that although the Imbesis have only owned and operated the restaurant since September, the diner has been in the family for the past 35 years. It all started when Elaine’s father, Pete Marinos, purchased the Diner back in 1974.
UPDATE: News of the arrest of Anthony Imbesi now consumes the first ten pages of Google, perhaps being the best advertising that the Market Diner has ever enjoyed.
