Politics & Government

Suffolk Notebook: Alleged Pharmacy Killer Arraigned on Five Murder Counts

Mosquito spraying starts this week, residents urged to sign up for notices.

The Medford man accused of  on Father's Day  at his arraignment on June 30.

David Laffer, 33, was charged one count for each of the four victims and one for mass murder.

Laffer was also charged with four counts of criminal use of a firearm in the first degree. He remains held without bail.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

His wife, Melinda Brady, is currently charged with third-degree robbery and obstructing governmental administration, although prosecutors have said .

According to police, Laffer four individuals – two employees and two customers – on June 19 in an attempt to score painkillers from Haven in Medford.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Department of Health Services starts mosquito spraying

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services started spraying parts of the county this week for mosquitoes. The SCDHS has alerted residents that they can utilize an automated system to receive phone calls informing them if and when sprays will be taking place in their area.

CodeRED is an automated service for which individuals can sign up through the county website. In addition to mosquito spraying the system informs residents of any impending emergency in their neighborhood. The system, according to the county website, has been used across the country to notify the public about hurricanes, flooding "and virtually every type of emergency situation."

The started spraying in the following areas this week:

  • Tuesday: Davis Park and Point O' Woods on Fire Island.
  • Wednesday: Ocean Bay Park, Atlantique and Summer Club, Oak Beach.
  • Thursday: Fire Island Pines, Water Island, South Shirley, Mastic Beach, Old Mastic.

The DHS will be spraying again in Davis Park and Point O' Woods on Tuesday, July 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Residents are urged to keep children and pregnant women indoors, if practical, and pick fruits and vegetables before spraying. Click here for further spray updates and more safety tips.

Suffolk Police stepping up on DWI/BWI patrols, illegal fireworks

Suffolk County Police informed the public this week that it will to catch drivers and boaters who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol. 

“The message is clear—if you are going to drink, don’t drive,” said Suffolk Police Commissioner Richard Dormer. “Our officers will be out in full force to take drunk drivers and boaters off the streets and waterways.”

Police also reminded residents that it is illegal to possess fireworks without a proper license.


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