The First Squad Detectives report the arrest of a Massapequa man for Driving While Intoxicated that occurred in Freeport.
According to Detectives, the defendant, Mitchell Messling, 66, was operating his blue 2018 BMW westbound on West Merrick Road near the intersection of South Long Beach Avenue, when he left the roadway and drove partially onto the sidewalk. As the defendant entered the sidewalk he struck two adult pedestrians and one juvenile pedestrian.
Freeport Police officer’s responded and began an investigation. The defendant was observed having glassy bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. He was placed under arrest without further incident. The juvenile victim was transported by Nassau County Police Aviation Helicopter 4 to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Both adult victims were transported by ambulance to area hospitals.
The defendant, Mitchell Messling, is charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Vehicular Assault 2nd Degree, two (2) counts of Assault 3rd Degree, two (2) counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Endangerment and Reckless Driving. He was arraigned at First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.