A car traveling the wrong way on Interstate 81 in Kirkwood almost slammed into a Broome County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle.

Authorities say the incident happened around 10 p.m. Saturday.

According to the sheriff's office, a deputy was traveling south on the highway when he encountered a vehicle heading in the wrong direction. The deputy took evasive action to avert a collision.

Following the near-crash, the other vehicle turned around and started to travel in the proper direction.

When the deputy initiated a traffic stop, the vehicle hit a guiderail as it pulled over on the highway.

The driver, 32-year-old Heather Bartlett of Windsor, allegedly exhibited signs of impairment. Investigators say a breath sample indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent.

Bartlett was charged with driving while intoxicated. She also was cited for several vehicle and traffic violations.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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