Man Drove Drunk With His Two Young Girls In Car: Police

A Brentwood man was arrested by Nassau police Monday night for driving drunk with his two young children in the car.

According to police, an officer on patrol was flagged down by a witness who said they saw a 2001 Honda Civic driving erratically and swerving through lanes. The officer found the car traveling eastbound on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow and attempted to stop it. The driver, Taurean James, 34, of Patton Street, kept driving, allegedly sideswiping another car.

Eventually, James came to a stop at the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Newbridge Road. Police say the officer approached the car and detected a strong smell of alcohol coming from the car and James's breath. Police say James also had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.

There were two young girls, ages 6 and 3, in the car. They were unharmed, and were released into the custody of their grandmother.

James is charged with two counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated (Leandra's Law), driving while intoxicated and endangering the welfare of a child. Police say he will be arraigned as soon as practical.

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