Driver Arrested for DWI in Penn Yan

Police say William R. Jensen, 43, failed field sobriety tests after a traffic stop.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car side mirror reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the aftermath of a drunk driving incident.A shattered car mirror reflects the aftermath of a drunk driving arrest, exposing the real-world consequences of impaired driving.Penn Yan Today

A 43-year-old man was arrested in Penn Yan, New York on charges of driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right after police received a complaint about an intoxicated person leaving in a vehicle. Officers pulled over the vehicle, observed signs of impairment, and took the driver into custody.

Why it matters

Drunk driving incidents remain a serious public safety concern, with New York state seeing over 5,000 alcohol-related crashes annually. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to identify and apprehend impaired drivers before they can cause harm.

The details

According to police, officers received a call about an intoxicated person leaving in a vehicle on Liberty Street. They caught up to the vehicle, observed it swerving and crossing the double yellow line, and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as William R. Jensen, displayed signs of intoxication including bloodshot eyes and the odor of alcohol. Jensen failed field sobriety tests and was taken into custody, transported to the hospital for a blood draw, and later released on traffic tickets to appear in court.

  • The incident occurred on the evening of March 30, 2026.
  • Jensen is scheduled to appear in Penn Yan Village Court at a later date.

The players

William R. Jensen

A 43-year-old resident of Penn Yan, New York who was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and failure to keep right.

Penn Yan Police

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the call, conducted the traffic stop, and arrested Jensen.

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What they’re saying

“Drunk driving remains a serious public safety issue that we continue to address through enforcement and education.”

— Chief Michael Ritter, Penn Yan Police Chief

What’s next

The results of Jensen's blood alcohol test are pending, and additional charges may be filed depending on the findings.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the importance of vigilant reporting and swift action by law enforcement to remove impaired drivers from the roads and protect public safety in the community.