Leandra's Law Arrest Made After DWI Accident in Southampton
Southampton, NY - August 18, 2014 - On Sunday August 17th at about 9:05 AM, troopers from the Riverside Barracks investigated an auto accident on County Road 39 west of Shrubland Road in Southampton. A 2006 GMC van operated by Enrique Matute, age 47, of Brooklyn, failed to yield the right of way while attempting to make a U-Turn on CR 39 and struck a vehicle traveling eastbound on CR 39. While troopers interviewed Mr. Matute he showed signs of intoxication and was subsequently arrested for DWI.
The accident investigation revealed that the van Mr. Matute was operating had 8 additional passengers, one of which was 10 years old. Mr. Matute also has 2 prior DWI convictions in the last 10 years. There were no injuries to any of the passengers in either vehicle.
The defendant was charged with Aggravated DWI (Leandra’s Law), Felony DWI (prior conviction), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child(A Misd.), along with several traffic violations. Mr. Matute was held for arraignment on August 18th in Southampton Town Court.