Hamptons Man Drove While Intoxicated, Initially Refused To Stop: PD

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — An intoxicated Southampton man was arrested on Independence Day after he was seen tailgating — and then, initially refused to stop for police, authorities said.

According to Southampton Town police, the incident took place at 11:31 p.m. on Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton near Newlight Lane. Elijah K. James, 35, was seen heading east, tailgating another vehicle, and failing to maintain his lane, police said.

When the patrol officer initiated a traffic stop with lights and sirens activated, James failed to stop
and continued east on Montauk Highway; eventually, he pulled his vehicle over — a considerable distance away from where the traffic stop was initiated, police said.

An investigation revealed that he was operating the motor vehicle while intoxicated, police said.
James was arrested and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, a felony, and numerous traffic infractions, police said. He was processed at Southampton Town police headquarters and held for morning arraignment, police said.