Seven DWIs and still on the road

WATERVLIET – A Watervliet man arrested seven times for DWI over the past 14 years was still behind the wheel of a car as recently as last week – according to city police.

Brandon McKinley, 41, has been charged with drunk driving seven times since 2008. Three of those arrests have come in the past three months.

Watervliet Police Chief Joseph L. Centanni issued an alert to the community Tuesday, encouraging people to “use caution if they observe McKinley operating a motor vehicle.”

Centanni says he believes McKinley is likely to drive again, and he’s concerned the next time it could result in tragedy.

“I want to be very clear,” Centanni stated. “We are not looking for vigilantism, and we are not looking for people to give Mr. McKinley a hard time.”

There are currently two open cases against McKinley in Watervliet City Court. One is from June 19 when he was charged with driving under the influence and possessing crack cocaine. Then on July 7, he was picked up for allegedly driving under the influence and failing to have a court-ordered interlock device.

McKinley is currently facing felony charges with Driving While Intoxicated and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation. He is due in Albany County Court Wednesday morning, at which time a judge will hear a motion to revoke and modify his bail status.