TJN:

A Nanuet man charged with driving while intoxicated might have had a heart attack yesterday before or after a minor car accident on Main Street. David Defreese, 57, was driving a 2002 GMC pickup southbound toward the intersection of Route 59 when he rear-ended a 2004 Acura shortly before 11 a.m., Ramapo Sgt. Robert Lancia said. Witnesses said that after hitting the vehicle, Defreese fell forward on the steering wheel. Defreese, who was driving with a suspended license, was revived by Chevra Hatzoloh of Rockland County and taken by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. Lancia said it was unclear whether Defreese had the heart attack before or after the accident. “Using common sense, I’d say the heart attack came first,” Lancia said. “But Hatzoloh did a great job in reviving him.” Lancia said staff at the hospital were notified to have Defreese call the Police Department before he was released. The driver of the Acura was not injured and a female passenger in Defreese’s car was also uninjured. Upon an inspection by Ramapo Police Officer Dennis Proctor, two open bottles of vodka were found in the pickup and alcohol could be smelled on Defreese’s breath, Lancia said.