Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
88-Year-Old Busted For DWI: "I Drink Every Day!"
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Apr 18, 2013
Modified Apr 18, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Apr 18, 2013
Modified Apr 18, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The 88-year-old man who crashed his Cadillac into a car and 12 stories of scaffolding on Tuesday is surprisingly nonchalant for someone charged with DWI, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and second degree vehicular assault. "What. I had a few drinks," Werner Sonn allegedly told officers when they approached his damaged vehicle. According to the Post, Sonn, pictured here looking like A Man Who Has Lived Nearly Nine Decades What Have You Done? also told police, "I drink every day!"
Sonn is the chairman of the board at Henri Stern Watch Agency, and blew a .154 in his Breathalyzer test. When asked by emergency personnel if he had been drinking and driving, he allegedly responded, "I don't know about that, but I was definitely drinking!" Hilarious. We're guessing that when cops asked him if he was drunk because his eyes were bloodshot, he probably replied, "Your eyes look glazed, have you been eating donuts?"
After spending Tuesday night in jail, Sonn was released until his arraignment on July 23 with a suspended license and an order to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. “He was out with friends. He had one drink," Sonn's 91-year-old wife Vivian said. "That’s all he ever has. I’ve never seen him drunk." Yeah, it's that giant rabbit he pals around with that does all the drinking.
Tagged
drunk driving
dwi
midtown
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .