North Fork Man Charged With DWI Waved At Police, Refused To Stop: PD

CUTCHOGUE, NY — A Cutchogue man was arrested and charged with felony driving while intoxicated Friday night — after he refused to stop for police and waved to them as he drove by, authorities said.

According to Southold Town police, the incident took place at 8:11 p.m. on Highland Road in Cutchogue. George McDowell Jr., 53, was arrested and charged with felony DWI, previous conviction within 10 years; second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; and illegal signal, less than 100 feet, police said.

McDowell Jr. was driving along Highland Road in Cutchogue when he failed to stop for police, and waved out of his window, police said.

McDowell continued driving until he finally stopped in front of his residence, police said.

Upon investigation, McDowell's eyes were red and glassy and his breath smelled of an alcoholic beverage; McDowell also performed poorly on several standardized field sobriety tests administered, police said.

McDowell was found to be intoxicated, arrested, and transported to Southold Town police headquarters, where he was processed and held until morning arraignment, police said. McDowell was also found to be operating his vehicle while his driving privileges were revoked in New York State due to a prior DWI conviction, police said.