Off-Duty Police Officer Charged With DWI Rear-Ended Car: PD

WESTHAMPTON, NY— An off-duty Southampton Town Police officer was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after he rear-ended another vehicle in Westhampton Friday night, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

According to Southampton Town Police, the incident took place at 11:10 p.m. at the intersection of Mill Road and Montauk Highway. Eric Girardin, 36, of Center Moriches, was driving a 2020 Nissan sedan and rear-ended a 2018 Hyundai; no injuries were reported, police said.

Girardin was determined to be intoxicated, placed under arrest, and charged with misdemeanor DWI, first offense, police said.

He was arraigned at Southampton Justice Court and released on his own recognizance, police said.

The driver of the Hyundai, Carlos Portillo, 41, of Riverhead did not sustain serious injuries as a result of the impact, Tierney said.

“Members of the law enforcement community should be held to a higher standard, so it is disappointing when a member allegedly violates the laws they are sworn to protect,” said Tierney.

Tierney thanked the Southampton Town Police Department for its cooperation.

During his arraignment, Southampton Court Judge Gary J. Weber ordered Girardin to turn in his driver’s license and suspended his driving privileges, Tierney said.

Girardin is due back in Southampton Court in front of Judge Weber on Jan. 19, Tierney said.