(ThyBlackMan.com) According to Christopher Halajian, the new Est End DWI Task Force, part of the Riverhead Police Department and in operation in both Southold and Mattiuck, is proving to be very efficient. Indeed, operating just along a single route and in a single estate, the force was able to stop many drink driving accidents from occurring. At the latest town elections, many candidates were pushing forward their agenda of resolving these problems and, since the Monday after the elections, the force immediately came into action. It was clear that this was an issue that people cared about deeply and the town officials have listened to them.
Christopher Halajian on Some of the DWI Arrests
Numerous arrests were made of people who were found to be
driving while intoxicated. Some of those were from within Southold and Mattituck, others came from further afield. The following arrestees have so far been charged with a range of different offenses. While charged with a criminal offense, it is important to note that everybody is presumed innocent until proven guilty. That being said, the charges have been made and people will have to face them. They include:
- A 59 year old man from Aquebogue, who will face charges of unlawful possession of marijuana, aggravated driving while intoxicated, and a range of different traffic and vehicle laws. His case was up for arraignment.
- A 30 year old man from Brooklyn, who will face charges of vehicle and traffic law violations and driving while intoxicated. His case was up for arraignment.
- A 36 year old woman from Flanders, who will face charges of driving while intoxicated. Her case was up for arraignment.
- A 30 year old man from Riverhead, who was charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and with driving while intoxicated. His case was up for arraignment.
- A 36 year old man from Mastic, who was charged with driving while intoxicated. His case was up for arraignment.
Other arrests also took place, including for the violation of unlawful possession of marijuana. They received appearance tickets and were subsequently released.
According to Christopher Halajian, the work of the DWI task force has been incredibly positive. Different police forces, including New York State Police, Southold Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, and Riverhead Police Department, have come together in order to make sure the roads become safer for all people involved. They now operate across varying checkpoints and evening times, particularly during holidays, will see extra police patrols. Because of the success the task force has so far had, it will be able to continue in future.
For members of the community, Christopher Halajian included, it is hoped that the increased police presence along the roads and route in and out of town will mean more people will think twice before getting behind the wheel intoxicated. At the end of the day, nobody wants to see anyone get arrested, but people have a right to be safe on the roads.
Staff Writer; Bobby Smith
