PATCHOGUE, NY — Eight people were arrested in an overnight sobriety checkpoint, including one who was caught with a child in their car, as part of a pre-Memorial Day weekend crackdown that targeted driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Suffolk police said.
A total of 496 vehicles went through the checkpoint at Waverly Plaza from 11 p.m. Friday until 2:30 a.m. Saturday, according to police.
The checkpoints were conducted by the police department's Highway Patrol Bureau's SAFE-T team, the county sheriff’s office, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority police. Volunteers from Mothers Against Drunk Driving were also on hand to give out educational information about driving under the influence to motorists.
The following were charged with driving while intoxicated:
• A 54-year-old man from Tulsa, OK
• A 43-year-old from Westbury
• A 24-year-old from Central Islip
• A 20-year-old from Centereach
The following were charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs:
• A 28-year-old from Bellport
• A 64-year-old from Westbury
• A 19-year-old from Medford
One of the drivers was additionally charged with endangering the welfare of a child for having a 16-year-old
passenger in their vehicle, police said. Another person was charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol, according to police.
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