MAN WHO PLOWED INTO MARDI GRAS CROWD WAS DRUNK

The man who allegedly plowed into a crowd enjoying a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans had a blood-alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit, police said Sunday.

The New Orleans Police Department issued a statement identifying the man as 25-year-old Neilson Rizzuto, pictured. He’s being held at the city’s jail on charges of first-degree negligent vehicular injuring, hit-and-run driving causing serious injury and reckless operation of a vehicle.

The accident happened Saturday during one of the busiest nights of Mardi Gras when thousands of people throng the streets to watch the elaborate floats.

Police said Sunday that 28 people were hurt in the accident that sent 21 people to the hospital; seven people at the scene declined medical help. At least three victims remained hospitalized overnight with moderate to serious injuries, police said. There were no fatalities.

Police Chief Michael Harrison was asked if terrorism was suspected. While he didn’t say “No,” he did say it looks like a case of DWI.