NCPD: Selden Taxi Driver Arrested for Driving on Drugs, Resisting Arrest
Selden, NY - September 11, 2017 - The Nassau County Police Department reports the arrest of a female for driving while under the influence of drugs that occurred on September 9, 2017 at 5:35 a.m.
According to Police, 911 received a call for a yellow taxi cab driving recklessly Westbound on the Long Island Expressway. Highway Patrol officers observed a yellow 2005 Crown Victoria driven by Patricia M. Piacente, 50, of Selden. The defendant was performing her job as a taxi driver and was unable to maintain lane with a passenger in the back seat. Officers attempted a vehicular traffic stop but the defendant failed to stop and continued to drive despite officers using their PA system requesting she do so.
Upon approaching the vehicle after it came to a stop, defendant failed to comply with officers when told to put her vehicle in park and take the keys out of the ignition. The defendant pushed officers when they were taking her keys out of the ignition and failed to comply with officers when told to exit the vehicle. Officers were able to remove defendant from the vehicle and place her under arrest.
Subsequent to arrest, officers recovered heroin, a heroin needle, straws used for cocaine consumption and soboxone powder which was located in the defendant’s backpack.
Defendant Piacente is being charged with Reckless Endangerment 2nd degree, 4 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th degree, DWAI Drugs, Obstructing Governmental Administration 2nd Degree as well as multiple traffic infractions. She will be arraigned on Sunday, September 10th at First District Court, Hempstead.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.