Crime & Safety

Man Arrested Under Leandra's Law Charge

Also, a Southampton Town Police Officer witnesses car accident in Riverside traffic circle; leads to drunk driving arrest.

The following arrests were reported by the Town of Southampton Police Department for the week of Jan. 20. A criminal charge is an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Riverside

  • An East Meadow man was arrested in Riverside on Jan. 18, accused of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol with a child in the car. According to police, Jacob Riehl, 23, was driving a 2008 Scion south on Route 24 near Red Creek Road at around 1:15 a.m. when he was stopped for having his high beams on. Police said when they approached the vehicle they discovered an odor of marijuana emanating from it. Riehl then failed a field sobriety test and police found a small amount of marijuana in his possession. When police questioned the passengers, they found one of Riehl’s passengers was under 15 years old. Riehl was arrested and charged with aggravated DWI under Leandra’s Law, a felony, DWI and endangering the welfare of a child, both misdemeanors, failure to dim headlights, having an obstructed view, failure to wear a seatbelt, and unlawful possession of marijuana, all violations.
  • Werner Lopez, 34, of Riverside was arrested on a drunken driving charge on Jan. 19. According to police Lopez was driving a 2000 Dodge Caravan at around 5:45 p.m. when he entered the traffic circle near the Valero gas station. A Southampton Town police officer happened to be parked at the Valero when he heard a collision on the other side of the circle. When police investigated, they found Lopez to be highly intoxicated. He was arrested and brought to headquarters for processing. While in custody, police said Lopez’s intoxicated condition was so severe he needed to be transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment. He is being charged with DWI and false impersonation, both misdemeanors.  
  • A 27-year-old homeless woman was arrested on Jan. 15 on drug charges after police approached her for questioning. According to police the woman was observed near the intersection of Pine Street and Route 104 in Riverside at around 2:45 p.m. “acting in a suspicious manner.” When police questioned the woman, they noticed an odor of marijuana emanating from her. Police said the 27-year-old admitted to having pot in her bag. When searched, police discovered the marijuana as well as a small amount of powdered heroin. She was arrested and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor, as well as unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.


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