In a joint operation conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department's Highway Patrol Bureau and deputies from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, a checkpoint was set up at the intersection of Waverly Avenue and North Service Road. The operation took place from approximately 11:10 p.m. on Friday, May 26, until 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 27.
A total of 523 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, according to Suffolk County Police. During the operation, law enforcement officers made several arrests and filed charges against individuals involved in alcohol and drug-impaired driving incidents.
Among those detained was Robert Jimenez, a 43-year-old resident of Ronkonkoma. Jimenez was charged with Leandra's Law, a felony offense for aggravated driving while intoxicated, as he had a 13-year-old child in the vehicle. Additionally, he faces three counts of acting in a manner injurious to a child, as there were children aged 13, 15, and 16 present in the vehicle at the time, as reported by the police.
Several individuals were charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) as a result of the checkpoint operation. The individuals facing DWI charges are as follows:
Erik Delosh, 36, from Babylon
Michael Capozucca, 29, from Northport
Thomas Santoro, 25, from Holbrook
Richard Petry, 33, from Islip
Gina Stewart, 25, from Sayville
In addition, Victor Saquicaray, a 39-year-old resident of Patchogue, was charged with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs.
The seven individuals arrested will be arraigned at the First District Court in Central Islip on Saturday, May 27. The ongoing enforcement crackdown aims to target incidents of alcohol and drug-impaired driving, ensuring the safety of the community.
The collaborative effort between the Suffolk County Police Department's Highway Patrol Bureau and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to tackle the issue of impaired driving and protect the residents of Patchogue and its surrounding areas.