Police: Drunk driver runs over traffic cones, ruptures tire near Holland Tunnel

An alleged drunk driver ran over a number of traffic cones, blew out a tire and drove into the flow of traffic on an exit ramp for the Holland Tunnel before Port Authority police pulled him over, authorities said. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Nldamak J. Ashman, 37, of Irvington, was charged with driving while intoxicated, bail jumping, refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license shortly after police stopped him around 1 a.m. this morning, according to Port Authority police spokesman Joe Pentangelo.

Ashman was driving his 2003 Ford Expedition SUV speeding by the Holland Tunnel’s Tunnel and Bridge Agent  garage in Jersey City, traveling northbound in the restricted employee-only area, officials said.

He then crashed through the cone line and entered the flow of traffic on the exit ramp at the North Tube/14th Street westbound, police said.

During this process, Ashman ran over numerous cones that got wedged under his car and severely damaged his left front tire and rim, eventually rupturing the tire, authorities said.

Ashman attempted to drive away when he was stopped by a Port Authority police lieutenant, who pulled the SUV over and ordered him out of the vehicle, police said.

Police described Ashman as unsteady on his feet and swaying, with an extremely strong odor of alcohol on his breath. He failed field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for DWI after refusing a breathalyzer test.

Police also found that Ashman’s license was suspended and he had an outstanding warrant from Irvington. Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the incident.