NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. (WKTV) - New Hartford Police arrested a Utica man early Sunday morning after they say he got drunk, went swimming in Sauquoit Creek and then drove a car under the influence.

At about 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning, a New Hartford police officer on routine patrol on Chenango Road saw a group of people with wet and mud-covered clothing.

The officer then saw that a female who was suffering from a medical issue. Police were able to determine that the female, A 37-year-old woman was suffering from severe alcohol intoxication and displaying signs of hypothermia.

Police said the group had gone for a late-night swim in the Sauquoit Creek near Lomond Place after drinking at a South Utica bar. After swimming in the creek the female collapsed from the effects of the alcohol and hypothermia.

Medical crews from the New Hartford Fire Department responded to provide emergency care to Velez before transporting her to a Utica hospital.

Police also found a car with extensive front-end damage that was attempting to drive from the parking lot of the Ramada Inn. The driver was wearing wet and muddy clothing and appeared to be highly intoxicated.

It was determined that he was among those who had gone swimming in the creek.

The driver, Ramon A. Mercado-Gomez, age 32 of Oswego Street in Utica, was arrested for DWI and leaving the scene of an accident.

Police found that Mercado-Gomez had apparently become disoriented while driving through the hotel parking lot, drove from the pavement and onto the lawn. He continued to drive around the hotel on the lawn until he struck a utility pole on the lawn in the rear of the hotel. Mercado-Gomez was fleeing that crash when stopped by police.

Mercado-Gomez was sent to the Oneida County Jail in lieu of $1,000 bail. His case will be continued in New Hartford Court at a later date.