11 People Arrested at Sobriety Checkpoint in Smithtown

Eleven people were arrested and one vehicle was seized during an overnight sobriety checkpoint in Smithtown, police said.

Police officers from the Suffolk County Highway Patrol Bureau conducted the checkpoint at 575 Smithtown Bypass (Route 347) from 11:37 p.m. Friday until 3:20 a.m. Saturday.

Police said the checkpoint was meant to help prevent injuries and fatalities associated with driving while ability impaired by alcohol and drugs, particularly as a prelude to the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. A total of 988 vehicles went through the checkpoint, police said.

The following people were arrested and charged with DWI:

• Rachel Hartman, 23, of Centereach
• Jorge Reina, 54, of Flushing
• Brian McMahon, 32, of Nesconset
• Patrick Kotowicz, 25, of Hauppauge
• Russell Figueroa, 58, of Miller Place
• Orrie Wolfer, 21, of Smithtown
• Odys Kurek, 45, of Nesconset
• Nakia Brantley, 22, of Bay Shore
• Peter Evans, 22, of Smithtown
• Dennis Sposato, 39, of Lindenhurst

In addition, Frederick Panciroli, 18, of Hauppauge, was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, police said.

All of those arrested are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Saturday.