Bedford Town Justice Accused Of DWI, Resisting Arrest

BEDFORD, NY — In the wake of an accusation of drunken driving, Bedford Justice Erik Jacobsen will not be hearing cases in the town until further notice. According to information from the Westchester County Police, Jacobsen, 54, was arrested Monday morning shortly after midnight. He was charged with driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest, misdemeanors.

Around 11:54 p.m. Sunday, a motorist called the county police to report a silver Mercedes was being driven erratically on the Saw Mill River Parkway in Mount Kisco.

A responding officer saw the vehicle leave the parkway and travel east on Route 133.

While following the car on local streets, including East Main Street, the officer said he saw that the driver was unable to stay in his lane.

He stopped the car in front of 90 South Bedford Road.

The driver, who was identified as Jacobsen, had the odor of alcohol on his breath and was slurring his speech, police said.

Another officer arrived at the scene, and when asked to get out of the car, Jacobsen refused, the officer said.

Both officers said they tried to remove him from the car, but Jacobsen gripped the steering wheel with both hands, struggling against their efforts to get him out of the car.

Police said he continued to do so even after being told he was under arrest.

One of the officers said he used his stun gun to get Jacobsen to comply. He was then removed from the car and placed in handcuffs.

Westchester EMS responded to assess Jacobsen at the scene and assisted in the removal of the stun gun prongs.

Jacobsen asked to be taken to Northern Westchester Hospital Center and was transported by the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Jacobsen was issued a desk appearance ticket at the hospital and is due in Mount Kisco Justice Court May 2.

Arielle Bryant, special counsel to the District Administrative Judge for Town and Village Courts, said an administrative order was issued directing all judicial matters currently pending before Jacobsen be reassigned to Town Justice David A. Menken until further order of Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Michael V. Coccoma.

Town Supervisor Chris Burdick said he had no comment about the arrest, but said the town will provide support to ensure the court's smooth operation.

He also said he's been advised by Bryant that judicial assistance will be provided to the town as necessary.

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