New York Woman Ticketed for Using 'Phony Passenger' to Drive in HOV Lane
The driver was issued summonses for HOV occupancy violation.
— -- A New York woman was ticketed after police pulled her over for driving with a "phony passenger" in the HOV lane on the Long Island Expressway this morning, according to Suffolk County Police.
Highway Patrol Officer Andrew Spina became suspicious of the front seat passenger in a Subaru Outback cruising in the HOV lane while on patrol.
"When Officer Spina pulled over the vehicle, he observed that the driver, Candice Breen-Warren, had piled clothing, topped by a baseball hat, and a briefcase in the passenger seat in an attempt to resemble a person," Suffolk County Police said in a statement.
HOV lanes are reserved for buses and vehicles with two or more occupants during early morning and evening hours, according to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office.
Breen-Warren, 61, was issued summonses for HOV occupancy violation as well as driving an unregistered and uninspected vehicle, according to Suffolk County Police.
Breen-Warren did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment.