Man Throws Metal Object During Trump's Motorcade Setup: Cops

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A Brentwood man was arrested after he threw a metal object at a New York State Department of Transportation vehicle during the setup of a motorcade route for President Donald Trump's visit to the Hamptons last Friday, police said.

Trump arrived on Air Force One at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton for a Southampton fundraiser— and his visit sparked both strong protests and steadfast shows of support.

According to New York State Police, NYSDOT highway personnel were assisting law enforcement with securing a motorcade route at the U turn on New York State Route 27 east of Exit 66 in Hampton Bays.

While setting up the barricade to secure the motorcade route for Trump, the male driver of a box truck threw a metal object out of the driver's side window, striking and causing damage to the driver's side hood, mirror, and the door of the NYSDOT dump truck, police said.

During the subsequent investigation, authorities conducted interviews in Mastic Beach, and arrested Justin A. Velez, 25, of Brentwood, police said. He was charged with third degree criminal mischief, a felony, and is due back in Southampton Town Justice Court on Sept. 26 at 9 a.m.; further charges are pending, police said.

"Our highway workers, like law enforcement, have a dangerous job in making our roadways safer. The action of the defendant put the workers and other drivers in danger. The State Police will continue to stand by our highway workers to help keep them safe while they are out working on our roads."

Patch photo courtesy of New York State Police.