A Riverhead woman was sentenced to two-to-four years in jail Wednesday as a result of leading police on a high-speed chase through three towns last September that involved stolen cars, an escape from police custody and several car collisions, according to police.

Rasheeda Brown, 31, had pleaded guilty in May to a 28-count indictment on charges including two counts of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, felony third-degree grand larceny, felony escaping jail custody and two counts of misdemeanor driving while ability impaired by alcohol and drugs. The driving while impaired charges stemmed from another incident that was consolidated into the indictment, according to officials.

She was sentenced by Suffolk County Criminal Court Judge Fernando Camacho in Central Islip.

The Sept. 17 chase started in Riverside where a Southampton Town police officer was alerted to a suspicious driver, which turned out to be Ms. Brown in a stolen car. She then led officers on a chase through Sunrise Highway, Route 111, the Long Island Expressway and then Route 58, where she hit a state trooper vehicle and was arrested.

But then Ms. Brown complained of chest pains and was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where she later escaped, wearing handcuffs, and stole another car from the parking lot of TJ Maxx. She then went to her wife’s house on Mill Road for help in removing the handcuffs, prosecutors said.

Ms. Brown then took off in that car, with police again chasing her, until she collided with a Jeep towing a SeaDoo water scooter, and then tried to steal another car before being captured.

tgannon@timesreview.com

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A Water Mill man was arrested for drunken driving early Friday on Flanders Road near Birch Avenue in Flanders, police said.

After Celestino Perez, 52, was stopped for speeding and moving unsafely from his lane authorities determined he was intoxicated, according to police. Fifteen empty beer bottles were located on the vehicle’s passenger seat and backseat, as well as in the center console, police said.

Mr. Perez was charged with DWI in addition to three traffic violations, police said.

• A Southold man was caught with a criminal amount of marijuana Saturday on Lake Avenue in Northampton, according to police.

Edward Califano, 32, was stopped for two traffic violations when police found he had an unspecified quantity of marijuana and concentrated cannabis, officials said.

Mr. Califano was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation, police said.

• A Calverton man was caught driving without a license last Tuesday in Flanders after first giving police a false name, police said.

Norbin Hernandez-Zuniga, 20, was stopped on Flanders Road near Pleasure Drive for a traffic violation and, upon questioning, authorities found he did not have a license or any identification, police said. Mr. Hernandez-Zuniga repeatedly gave police a false name after reportedly being told the consequences of doing so, officials said.

He was arrested and charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation and false personation, as well as four traffic and vehicle violations, police said.

• An East Hampton man was arrested in Flanders last Wednesday after giving a fake name to avoid being arrested on an active warrant against him police, said.

Joseph Tarik, 23, was stopped on Flanders Road for a traffic violation, according to police. Upon investigation, he was found to have a revoked driver’s license, an active warrant out for his arrest, a small quantity of marijuana and a forged instrument, police said.

Mr. Tarik was charged with false personation and second-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, as well as unlawful possession of marijuana, according to police.

• A Flanders man reported last Thursday that his tenant’s ex-boyfriend stole his business checks, together valued at $2,600, and cashed them, police said. An investigation found that the checks had been deposited at a bank in Stony Brook, according to authorities. No arrests have been made yet as the investigation in ongoing, according to police.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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The Jamesport Fire Department has been awarded more than $104,000 to purchase new communications equipment, including vehicle radios and mobile data terminals.

The funds will come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of its Assistance to Firefighters grant program, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) announced last Wednesday in a press release.

The grant program, which began in 2001, helps fire departments and other first responder organizations obtain equipment, vehicles, training and other resources necessary to ensure public safety, according to FEMA.

“It is absolutely essential that our firefighters are able to utilize the best possible equipment; these brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and they should have access to every resource available,” Mr. Zeldin said. “I would like to thank FEMA for their assistance in carrying out this important mission.”

The department will use the grant money to replace its radio console, as well as vehicle radios, according to ex-chief Sean McCabe, who is now Jamesport Fire Department’s district manager.

The funds allow the equipment to be updated without having to tax residents to cover the cost, he said.

“This very much needed funding will assist the district in updating our antiquated communication system that is now in service,” Mr. McCabe said.

Photo credit: Kelly Zegers

kzegers@timesreview.com

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An investigation into drug sales and prostitution led to the arrest of eight people after police executed a search warrant at a Hampton Bays home Tuesday night, according to New York State Police. A Riverhead teen and Flanders man were among those arrested.

Police arrested Israel Bustillo, 19, of Riverhead on a felony charge of third-degree promoting prostitution and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance for cocaine, police said. He was arraigned in Southampton Town Justice Court and remanded to Suffolk County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash bail.

Fredy Oswaldo Espana-Tubac, 23, of Flanders was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of patronizing a prostitute. He was also remanded to jail in lieu of $2,500 cash bail. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has a warrant against him for deportation, police said.

A Mattituck man was also charged with patronizing a prostitute. Julian Alberto, 39, was remanded to jail in lieu of $5,000 cash bail, police said.

Police also arrested another man facing deportation. Christian Diaz Paz, 21, was arrested on the most charges. He faces two felonies, one for third-degree promoting prostitution and another for second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. He also was charged with a misdemeanor for false personation. He had bench warrants out of the Towns of Riverhead and Southampton, police said. He was held on $30,000 cash bail, police said.

A Hampton Bays man who lived at the address of the bust was arrested for third-degree promoting prostitution. Wilmer I. Neira, 21, was held on $7,500 cash bail, police said.

Two women were arrested on a misdemeanor prostitution charge. Alondra Rivera, 20, of the Bronx and Flora Cabral Taveras, 41, of West New York, N.J., were issued a appearance tickets to appear in court Aug. 18, police said.

A 20-year-old woman who lives in the house was also arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation.

State police, with the assistance of the East End Drug Task Force, executed the search warrant at 87 Foster Ave. at about 6:50 p.m. Tuesday. Members of the Southampton Town Police Department Emergency Service Unit and detective division also assisted.

Marijuana, cocaine and cash were recovered at the house, police said.

Photo caption: From top left, clockwise: Julian Alberto, Israel Bustillo, Christian Diaz Paz, Wilmer I. Neira and Fredy Oswaldo Espana-Tubac.

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An unlicensed driver was arrested Monday on a felony charge in Riverhead, according to a Riverhead Town police report.

Steven Price was pulled over by officers on Route 58 around 1:10 p.m. and charged with felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and six violations, police said.

• A Flushing man was arrested Monday in Riverhead and charged with unlawfully dealing with fireworks, police said.

Police responded to a Sound Shore Road home around 11:25 p.m. after someone reported fireworks were being set off near fuel tanks, officials said. The officer who arrived at the scene found an “extensive display” of fireworks had been ignited, the report states.

Andy Kokkinos, 29, who was found standing near a pile of unignited fireworks, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor unlawfully dealing with fireworks, officials said.

The remaining fireworks were confiscated to be destroyed, police said.

• Edyta Samborski, 39, of Riverhead was arrested on East Main Street in Riverhead around 12:20 a.m. Sunday and charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.

• Anthony Flores, 21, of Riverhead was arrested on Riverside Drive around 2:45 a.m. last Thursday and charged with DWI, police said.

• Christopher Nichols, 51, of Westhampton Beach arrested near the intersection of East Second Street and Roanoke Avenue in Riverhead around 4:25 p.m. last Tuesday and charged with DWI, police said.

• Police arrested a Wading River man accused of possessing a stolen license plate in Wading River last Tuesday, officials said.

Christopher Johnson, 21, was seen around 10:55 a.m. driving a 2001 Mercedes C320 SUV with a stolen license plate near the Speedway gas station on Route 25A, police said.

He was charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a misdemeanor, and four violations, officials said.

• A Riverhead man accused of stealing was arrested Sunday, police said.

Roger Makowski, 29, was seen removing an air compressor valued at $99 from Home Depot, police said. Mr. Makowski was apprehended by the store’s loss prevention employee, who retrieved the air compressor, the report states.

Mr. Makowski was charged with misdemeanor petit larceny, police said.

• Police arrested a Riverhead man accused of stealing in Riverhead Saturday, officials said.

Daniel Vandetti, 22, reportedly stole assorted food items valued at $26.50 from Gala Fresh Foods around 6:40 p.m., officials said.

He was charged with misdemeanor petit larceny and released on an appearance ticket.

• Two women were arrested for stealing in Riverhead Friday, police said.

Sara Schniber, 21, and a “juvenile girl” were charged with misdemeanor petit larceny at Target on Route 58 around 6:05 p.m., officials said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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A Sound Beach man was charged with first-degree criminal contempt last Saturday after allegedly threatening a woman at the County Center in Riverside, according to Southampton Town police.

John Rodriguez allegedly told the woman “Yeah, if I had the chance I’d kill you in a heartbeat,” causing her to fear for her safety and report the incident, police said. The statement was a direct violation of a court order against Mr. Rodriguez, who was later arrested at his home, according to police.

• A Flanders woman was caught using her employee’s credit card for her own personal use for almost two months, according to police.

Sheryl Madr, 33, of Flanders was charged with third-degree grand larceny after an investigation found she spent more than $3,000 using her now ex-employee’s credit card from April 22 to June 12, police said.

• Four individuals were charged with first-degree loitering last Monday on Riverleigh Avenue in Riverside, according to police.

Olimpio Colon, 46, of Riverhead; Willie Frazier, 34, of Ossining; Nicki Coppola, 44, of Riverside; and Stephen Giorlando, 29, of Hampton Bays were on Southampton Town property when they were spotted using narcotics, police said.

Mr. Giorlando was found to have a quantity of crack cocaine, along with a crack pipe and hypodermic needle, according to police. In addition, he was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

• Ramon Mendez, 22, of Brentwood was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Saturday just after midnight in Flanders, according to police.

Mr. Mendez was traveling on Flanders Boulevard when he was stopped for a speeding violation, police said. Police discovered he had been driving with a suspended license, according to authorities.

• Juan Mendez, 32, of Riverhead was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Sunday on County Road 51 in Northampton after he was stopped for an equipment violation and found to be driving with a suspended license, according to police.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Fire departments from across Suffolk County visited Riverhead Saturday for the annual drill competition hosted by the Riverhead Fire Department’s Ironmen Drill Team.

The event features competition in various fire service-related skills events.

The West Sayville Flying Dutchman came in first place with 24 points this year earning them the Richie “Soup” Ligon Trophy, dedicated to Riverhead’s first black fireman, a respected veteran of the department who died earlier this year.

Photos by Elizabeth Wagner

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Motor H&L Class “C” event.

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Motor H&L Class “C” event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Motor H&L Class “C” event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Motor H&L Class “C” event.

Lindenhurst Snails compete in Motor H&L Class “C” event.

Copiague Yellow Birds compete in Motor H&L Class “C” event.

Riverhead Ironmen and Cutchogue Panthers prepare the track for Motor Hose Class “C” event.

Scott Letizia of Cutchogue Panthers competes in Motor Hose Class “C” event.

Ryan McArdle of Riverhead Ironmen competes in Motor Hose Class “C” event.

Deer Park Bucks compete in Motor Hose Class “C” event.

Copiague Yellow Birds compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Deer Park Bucks compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Selden Slow Pokes compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

14. Lindenhurst Snails compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Deer Park Bucks compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Deer Park Bucks compete in Motor Hose Class “B” event.

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Efficiency event.

East Farmingdale Hares compete in Efficiency event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Efficiency event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Efficiency event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Efficiency event.

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Motor Pump event.

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Motor Pump event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Motor Pump event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Motor Pump event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Motor Pump event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Motor Pump event.

Cutchogue Panthers compete in Bucket Brigade event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Bucket Brigade event.

William Kelly of Riverhead Ironmen competes in the Bucket Brigade event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Bucket Brigade event.

Riverhead Ironmen compete in Bucket Brigade event.

Lindenhurst Snails compete in Bucket Brigade event.

Hagerman Gamblers compete in Bucket Brigade event.

West Sayville Flying Dutchman came in first with 24 points.

West Sayville Flying Dutchman came in first with 24 points.

North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers tied for second with 22 points.

North Lindenhurst Piston Knockers tied for second with 22 points.

Central Islip Hoboes tied for second with 22 points.

Central Islip Hoboes tied for second with 22 points.

Central Islip Hoboes tied for second with 22 points.

Farmingville Bandits came in third with 14 points.

Farmingville Bandits came in third with 14 points.

Farmingville Bandits came in third with 14 points.

Farmingville Bandits came in third with 14 points.

Bay Shore Redskins came in fourth with 11 points.

Bay Shore Redskins came in fourth with 11 points.

Top 5 total points.

First place trophy dedicated to the late Richie “Soup” Ligon, a dedicated fire service member for over 40 years and the department’s first black member. He died earlier this year.

First place trophy dedicated to the late Richie “Soup” Ligon, a dedicated fire service member for over 40 years and the department’s first black member. He died earlier this year.

First place trophy dedicated to the late Richie “Soup” Ligon, a dedicated fire service member for over 40 years and the department’s first black member. He died earlier this year.

Ironmen Way

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A 40-year member of the Jamesport Fire Department was temporarily suspended and could face departmental charges for his role in a fight that broke out at a fire scene July 3.

Tom Brady, 65, a former chair of the Jamesport Fire District board of commissioners, says he wasn’t the aggressor in the fight, which was caught on video by a Riverhead Town employee. And he said his suspension was lifted Tuesday evening at a board of commissioners meeting.

The incident in question took place July 3 about 12:30 p.m. at the East Creek boat ramp on Peconic Bay Boulevard in Jamesport.

A town recreation department vehicle had caught fire there, and Jamesport Fire Department volunteers arrived quickly to extinguish it.

In the video, Mr. Brady approaches fellow firefighter Joseph A. Szot from behind, places a hand on his shoulder and turns him around to speak to him. Mr. Szot’s father, Joseph Szot Jr., is a current fire commissioner with the department.

The video was turned over to Riverhead Town and made available through a Freedom of Information request. It also shows the younger Szot, 24, stepping in front of Mr. Brady as shoving begins, after which Joseph Szot Jr., 54, also jumps into the fray. Mr. Brady becomes pinned against a fire truck until other firefighters break up the scuffle. The video, apparently taken with a cell phone and somewhat shaky, shows the encounter lasting less than a minute.

Mr. Brady says he was punched several times and went to the hospital, where his injuries were described as “contusions,” of which he has photos.

A Riverhead Town police report was filed by Mr. Brady, but no police charges were filed or sought, as the report says it will “be handled in-house with JFD officers.” The report also says Mr. Brady was “wishing to document the incidents since it’s not the first one with the [Szots].”

“There have been arguments before, but I’ve never seen it come to fisticuffs,” Mr. Brady said in an interview.

He said he originally confronted the younger Szot at the scene on July 3 because “he nearly hit me with the truck” while pulling out of fire headquarters.

After the fight, Mr. Brady said he was suspended by Chief John Andrejack. No one else was suspended.

The July 3 scene where firefighters got into a fight. (Credit: Kelly Zegers)

On Tuesday, the fracas was discussed during a commissioners meeting in executive session, which is closed to the public, Afterward, Mr. Brady said he was told that his suspension was lifted, but he still faced potential departmental charges.

Following the meeting, Mr. Szot Jr. declined comment, saying, “It wouldn’t be right to comment while the incident is still under investigation.” His son was not at the meeting and could not be immediately reached for comment.

On Thursday, Mr. Szot Jr. issued a statement saying: “The Jamesport Board of Fire Commissioners are in possession of numerous witness statements regarding this incident. Unlike Mr. Brady, I will not debate this issue in the press in an attempt to get public support and approval. I will simply allow the witness statements to tell the story.”

Mr. Szot Jr., who was asked to leave to the executive sessions discussing the incident, said he was speaking on his own behalf and not that of the board of commissioners.

Mr. Andrejack declined to comment.

Bob Sikora, chairman of the commissioners, confirmed Wednesday that the suspension had been lifted and that an attorney hired by the district is reviewing the video.

Mr. Brady, who is a retired Suffolk County Police lieutenant and an Air Force veteran, said he wasn’t told what type of charges he might face.

Editor’s Note: The video above was edited to begin when the altercation started. The audio was muted due to offensive language. The post was updated Thursday to add additional comment from Mr. Szot Jr.

tgannon@timesreview.com

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Transparency in government is vital if citizens are to know and fully understand what government officials are doing with the tens of millions of dollars we pay in taxes. Very few of us are forensic accountants who have the time to obtain government records under the Freedom of Information laws and study them at our kitchen tables to see where every dollar is going.

We count on people in elected and appointed offices to do the right thing by us, and to spend money in the best — and most transparent — ways. After all, it’s our money. We gave it to them. Common sense would say that if what government is doing is really in our best interests, it should be done out in the open.

The issue of transparency in government seems to be very much the underlying discussion in Riverhead about the proposal from a company called Luminati Aerospace. Officials in Southold, Greenport and Shelter Island should be paying attention to what is unfolding there. A lesson is playing out in Riverhead on how to do business with people who want to do business with government.

Luminati is boldly proposing to return the EPCAL site in Calverton to its glory years, when Grumman built F-14 jets there. It was Grumman engineers and scientists who helped put astronauts on the moon and bring them back safely to earth. There is tremendous history at the site, harking back to the days when America’s grasp exceeded its reach.

It would seem doubtful that anything on the scale of Grumman will ever return to Calverton. Riverhead Town has certainly tried and for several years now has been tossing around ideas ever since receiving this massive and magnificent piece of property from the U.S. Navy. Those ideas have included an indoor ski mountain and other themed resorts; a racing-themed entertainment center; an industrial park; a proposal from Donald Trump for the entire 2,900-acre site for a NASCAR race track; and an equestrian park. Those ideas have come and gone.

The more than 2,000 acres that make up the site are a gem and, outside the preserved areas of the Long Island Pine Barrens, one of the largest undeveloped tracts of woodlands remaining. Perhaps in another time and place it would be a candidate for a national park and an aerospace museum.

The discussion in Riverhead now is whether to move forward with Luminati and sell the company more than 1,000 acres of land at the site. Stories in the Riverhead News-Review and those by RiverheadLOCAL have raised a number of critical questions that need to be answered by town government and fully discussed with the public. The media and candidates for town office have been the ones asking the questions.

Daniel Preston, Luminati’s CEO, has not answered a number of questions from reporters who have asked for basic, dollars and cents information about his company and his track record as a businessman. So far, he has even declined to provide a copy of his résumé, and it does not look like Riverhead has asked for key documents from a company that could end up owning this massive piece of real estate. Or, if they have important documents, have they fully and publicly vetted this information?

There are still many steps local government must take with Luminati, particularly now that a possible financier has stepped onto the stage. Hopefully, officials in other towns are paying attention to the script being followed in Riverhead.

The post Editorial: There is no substitute for transparency in government appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

The Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps is exploring the possibility of expanding its Osborn Avenue headquarters to create needed storage space.

Built in 1989, the RVAC building fits three ambulances and has storage closets along the back walls of the garage. However, as call volume has increased — from around 1,400 calls a year when it was built to 4,000 in 2016 — so has the need for equipment, making it difficult to find enough storage space, corps president Keith Lewin said.

To make storing and searching for items faster and more efficient, RVAC is seeking Town Board approval for a 20-by-38-foot addition to the back of the station, which currently measures 35 feet by 78 feet. The addition would be solely for storage and extend from the back wall of the ambulance bay.

“This property is constrained by how big of a building you can put here,” Mr. Lewin said. “You can’t add as much as we’d like, but we did a minimal layout [thinking,] ‘OK, if we’re never going to go anywhere else, what do we need?’ This is the storage part of that. The idea is this is what we need right now to remain functional.”

Over the years smaller pieces of equipment have been placed in bins on top of the existing cabinets or kept in the basement. That storage is now at capacity. In addition, much of the equipment is heat sensitive — especially medications such as NARCAN, pain relievers and burn medicines. This makes storage even more challenging because the air conditioning in the bay has difficulty keeping up with hot ambulances constantly coming in and out of the space, he said.

Mr. Lewin, who has been a corps member since it began in 1978 and has served as president for a total of eight years, said some items are also stored at their second facility in Jamesport, which is much smaller. It accommodates only one ambulance and has one office room inside, limiting the amount of space available.

Travel to the Jamesport facility, which isn’t manned full-time like the Osborn Avenue station, also makes it difficult to access equipment in an emergency, limiting what items can be kept there, he said.

A view inside the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters. (Credit: Nicole Smith)

“It’s not a huge deal, but it would really solve our storage problem,” he said of the proposed addition at Osborn Avenue.

RVAC members reached out to Councilman Tim Hubbard about the plan to see if it the Town Board would be receptive. He said he brought it up to board members at their work session last Thursday.

“Pretty much everyone was interested in letting them see what they could come up with,” Mr. Hubbard said, adding that RVAC’s next step would be talking to builders and getting cost estimates before appearing before the Town Board to formally seek permission.

While storage space is the focus of the proposed expansion, Mr. Lewin said RVAC also hopes to either pursue another addition or construct a larger building in a different location sometime in the future to address office and living needs.

Currently, the Osborn Avenue headquarters has an office with four desks that serve 13 people. The main level also has a living facility with two couches and a kitchen/meeting room. But with 60 active members and 17 full-time employees, meetings are held in the basement because none of those rooms can accommodate the crowd.

“We’d love to have more office space, we’d love to have more rooms, all these things,” Mr. Lewin said. “But the need right now is storage. That we absolutely have to have.”

Photo caption: Keith Lewin, president of the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps, shows a crowded storage closet at the RVAC station on Osborne Avenue. The corps would like to add a larger storage area to the building. (Credit: Nicole Smith)

nsmith@timesreview.com

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A Saint James man was arrested for drunken driving Sunday morning in Flanders after he was pulled over for speeding near the Big Duck on Flanders Road, according to Southampton Town police.

Eric Chasteen, 26, was driving 74 mph in a 45 mph speed zone and was found to be intoxicated, according to police.

Mr. Chasteen was charged with DWI, police said.

• A Flanders man was caught drunken driving early Sunday in Flanders, according to police.

Eddy Carreto Cardona, 27, was stopped for disregarding a red light on Flanders Road and police found he was intoxicated and driving without a license, officials said.

Mr. Carreto Cardona was charged with DWI, as well as two traffic violations.

• Michael Coughlin, 50, of Hampton Bays was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle last Monday morning in Flanders after he was stopped for a traffic infraction, police said.

• Steven Cusumano, 30, of Riverhead was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle last Monday in Flanders, police said.

Mr. Cusumano was traveling on Flanders Road when he was stopped for a traffic infraction and police discovered he was driving with a suspended license, according to officials.

• Pedro Reyes, 43, of Riverhead was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Saturday in Riverside, police said.

Mr. Reyes was stopped for an equipment violation on Lake Avenue and was found to be driving with a suspended license, according to police.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Riverhead Town police arrested a Toys R Us employee for stealing last Tuesday, according to a police report.

David Macwan, 43, of Mastic was caught removing $209 worth of Xbox One video games from the Route 58 store around 7:15 p.m., officials said.

He was charged with misdemeanor petit larceny.

• Darren Kennedy was arrested for misdemeanor petit larceny at Walmart on Route 58 in Riverhead around 4:20 p.m. Sunday, officials said.

• Police arrested Terry Bodden for misdemeanor petit larceny stemming from an incident at Famous Footwear on Route 58 in Riverhead around 12:45 p.m. Monday, officials said.

• Peter Lendenfeld was arrested for misdemeanor petit larceny at Walmart on Route 58 in Riverhead around 5:20 p.m. last Thursday, officials said.

• Two people were arrested following a crash in Riverhead Friday.

Shanteel Smith and Geneva Trotman were involved in an incident where a car hit a pedestrian near T.J. Maxx on Route 58 around 8:05 p.m., officials said.

They were both charged with misdemeanor second-degree menacing.

• Police received a 911 call around 4:55 p.m. last Tuesday from someone reporting that cows were wandering in the roadway on Sound Avenue near Ty Llwyd Farm. The animals were returned upon police arrival, officials said.

• Someone attempted to remove two computers, valued at $3,700, from P.C. Richard & Son on Route 58 in Riverhead and fled in a vehicle around 2:40 p.m. last Tuesday, officials said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Credit cards that were reportedly stolen from vehicles parked at Sandy Pond Golf Course in Riverhead were used to make purchases at a Target store last week, according to a Riverhead police press release issued Wednesday.

Surveillance footage shows the suspects were at Target in Medford on July 13 between 10 a.m. and noon and used the stolen credit cards to purchase $1,029.94 worth of merchandise, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Riverhead Town Police Department at (631) 727-4500 ext. 332.

Image credit: Riverhead Town Police Department

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President Donald Trump said he has a message for violent gang members in the United States that he made clear during a speech Friday afternoon in Brentwood before an auditorium filled with local law enforcement: “We will find you, we will arrest you, we will jail you and we will deport you.”

Long Island has seen violence by the gang in recent months, including the killing of four young men in April in Central Islip and two teen girls last year in Brentwood.

“We cannot accept this violence one day more,” the president said.

Behind him dozens of law enforcement officers applauded, standing under signs that read “American heroes protecting American lives.”

“It is the policy of this administration to dismantle, decimate and eradicate MS-13,” Mr. Trump continued.

The North Fork has had signs of the gang’s activity in recent years. In October 2014, police arrested five men in connection with a Southold shooting in which alleged MS-13 members targeted members of a rival gang, police said. One victim was attacked with a machete, police said.

Earlier this year, the gang’s name was found written in pen on a bathroom at Tasker Park in Peconic, according to a police report.

MS-13, which is short for La Mara Salvatrucha is composed primarily of immigrants or their descendants from El Salvador, according to the federal Department of Justice.

Mr. Trump called for the end of sanctuary cities — where immigrant are promised “sanctuary” from federal officials — and said the country has been weak on enforcing immigration policy.

“Failure to enforce our immigration laws have predictable results: drugs, gangs and violence,” he said, adding that will change under the his administration. And he repeated a popular campaign promise and said the border wall between the United States and Mexico will be built.

The president thanked members of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their increased efforts, which in the past six weeks has resulted in the arrests of nearly 1,400 persons and resulted in the recovery of illegal firearms and narcotics. He also thanked local law enforcement, saying “We have your backs.”

Before the president took the stage to chants of “USA! USA!” by the audience, acting ICE director Thomas Homan said gang members will not find safe harbor on Long Island. ICE’s efforts to target MS-13 would be successful because of partnerships between the federal, state and local levels of law enforcement.

“Let me be clear,” Mr. Homan said. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of every member, associate and leader of MS-13…We will target all of you.”

Congressman Peter King (R-Seaford) spoke before the president, telling law officials they have “no greater advocate” in the White House than Mr. Trump. Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) was also to travel to Long Island with the president on Friday, his office announced Thursday in a statement.

“The rise in gang violence, which is ruining lives, wreaking havoc, and causing irreparable and devastating harm to families, is hitting home in the most personal and tragic way in Suffolk County, where we’ve seen ongoing violence perpetrated by MS-13 and other Central American gangs taking innocent lives and threatening the safety of our schools,” Mr. Zeldin said in the statement. “I thank President Trump for making it a priority to travel to Long Island tomorrow to address the administration’s determined efforts to eradicate this violent street gang.”

Mr. Zeldin referenced the Central Islip killings, which MS-13 members have been charged with, and said the effort to end the rise in gang violence on the island needs to be an “all hands on deck mission” from all levels of government. He said that effort should include enforcement of immigration laws, along with international efforts to combat related criminal activity as well as local education efforts.

Protesters, both pro- and anti-Trump, lined up across the street from the Suffolk County Community College campus before the event. Some still lingered after the speech ended. On one side, pro-Trump protesters shouted, “Go home,”, while anti-Trump groups yelled back, “Let them in,” both  chants referring to immigrants.

In a statement released after the speech, Mr. Zeldin said: “While some chose to line the streets and protest the President’s arrival with claims that his motives for coming were to ‘attack immigrants’, his words today proved that this was simply not true. This administration has taken a hard stance against gang activity, and it is imperative that we come together as one community in rejection of this violence which has claimed too many innocent lives.

“This President’s trip to our home was a sign that we have allies in this fight against evil; however, this is only the beginning. We must send a clear indication that gangs like MS-13 have no place here, and that we will never tolerate gang violence in our communities. It is our obligation to make eradicating this criminal organization a top priority.”

Top photo caption: President Trump speaks Friday in Brentwood on gang violence. (Credit: Kelly Zegers)

kzegers@timesreview.com

Protestors outside the venue Friday. (Credit: Kelly Zegers)

Supporters of President Trump outside the venue. (Credit: Kelly Zegers)

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Riverhead Town police arrested a Riverhead man for driving while intoxicated in Aquebogue last Tuesday.

Vincent Doherty, 61, was backing up in his pickup truck at Phil’s Waterfront Bar and Grill on Meeting House Creek Road around 7:25 p.m. when he was involved in a car crash, officials said. A witness reported Mr. Doherty almost hit his car but the witness managed to get out of the way, resulting in Mr. Doherty hitting another car instead. Police interviewed Mr. Doherty, who was unbalanced, smelled strongly of alcohol and said he’d been drinking, officials said.

He was charged with aggravated DWI, a misdemeanor.

• A Ronkonkoma woman was arrested for stealing in Riverhead Sunday.

An employee at True Religion Brand Jeans in the Tanger Outlet Center reported that a woman entered the store and removed a pair of jeans valued at $200 around 4:35 p.m., officials said. An officer allegedly located the woman, later identified as 34-year-old Nicole Notaroberta, inside the H&M outlet.

She was charged with misdemeanor petit larceny.

• A woman reportedly stole approximately $1,500 worth of clothing from Polo Ralph Lauren in the Tanger Outlet Center around 6:20 p.m. Sunday and fled on foot, officials said. No arrest has been made.

• A car was stolen from Enterprise Rental on Route 58 last Tuesday and found in the Best Market parking lot and returned to the owner around 8 a.m. last Wednesday, officials said.

• Three Louis Vuitton bags, containing assorted items including cash, credit cards and driver’s licenses, were taken from cars at Splish Splash Water Park Friday, officials said.

• A dinosaur statue valued at $2,850 was reportedly stolen from Decorative Gardens Nursery in Calverton around 2 p.m. last Tuesday, officials said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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A Michigan man was charged with driving while ability impaired by alcohol Sunday in Flanders, according to Southampton Town police.

Sebastian Pablo, 35, of Detroit was stopped on Flanders Road near Cross River Drive after being involved in a minor car crash, according to police. The driver of the other vehicle, which Mr. Pablo rear-ended, was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center via Flanders Volunteer Ambulance after reporting head pain, police said.

Further investigation revealed that Mr. Pablo was driving in an intoxicated condition. He was arrested at the scene, police said.

• A Riverhead man who was stopped for a traffic infraction late Saturday in Flanders was caught carrying crack cocaine, police said.

John Jones, 33, was traveling on Brookhaven Avenue when he was pulled over, police said. He was then found to have a quantity of crack cocaine, police said.

Mr. Jones was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

• Lisa Allen, 32, of Mastic Beach was arrested Sunday in Riverside for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She also had five active warrants against her with the Suffolk County Police Department, police said.

Ms. Allen was observed stumbling along Pine Street and was found to be in possession of Tramadol, a painkiller, according to police.

• Byron Velasquez Rodriguez, 39, of Riverhead was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and alcohol-related aggravated unlicensed operation last Monday afternoon on Maple Avenue in Flanders after he was stopped for an equipment violation, police said.

Officers found that Mr. Velasquez Rodriguez was driving the vehicle without an ignition interlock device and without a license, which had been revoked for a previous DWI, according to police.

• Kristin Husfeldt, 32, of East Islip was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle last Wednesday on West Main Street in Riverhead, police said.

Ms. Husfeldt was stopped for an equipment violation and was found to be driving with a revoked license and suspended registration, according to police.

• Dan Aller, 53, of Center Moriches was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle Saturday morning on Nugent Drive in Riverside after being pulled over for a traffic violation, police said.

Mr. Aller failed to pay a driver’s responsibility assessment and, while he had a valid Ohio license, he had not changed the address on his license or registration although he reported living in New York the last three years, according to police.

• De’Andre Owens, 18, of Calverton was charged with resisting arrest last Thursday after refusing to cooperate during an investigation following a foot pursuit near Exit 71 on the Long Island Expressway, according to state police.

Mr. Owens was also charged with two violations, police said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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Four local store clerks were busted in a police sting operation Saturday that found the employees sold alcohol to minors, according to a Southampton Town police press release issued Monday night.

The following clerks were charged with first-degree unlawful dealing of alcohol with a child: Saeed Akhtar, 58, of Patchogue, an employee at Valero gas station on Peconic Avenue in Riverside; Flanders Road 7-Eleven employees Zubair Ahsan, 37, of Patchogue, and Frayner Figueroa-Solorzan, 18, of Riverhead; and Garden Deli employee Morena Garcia-Palma, 24, police said.

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Riverhead Town police are searching for three suspects who reportedly attacked and robbed a man Wednesday night in Riverhead, according to a press release.

A 41-year-old Hispanic man was walking on Union Avenue near East Main Street around 9:45 p.m. when he was attacked by three men, police said. The suspects are described as black males in their early 20s and one of them was wearing a gray shirt, red shorts and red and white sneakers, the report states.

Police said the victim fell to the ground after he was repeatedly punched and kicked and the suspects then stole his cell phone from his pants pocket and fled the area on foot, officials said. Police later found the victim’s cell phone in a yard on Union Avenue.

The victim walked to his residence after the attack and contacted police around 11:15 p.m., the report states.

He was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center and treated for non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Riverhead Town Police Department at 631-727-4500 ext. 633.

Image credit: Google Maps

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An unlicensed driver was arrested on a drunken driving charge Monday on East Main Street in Riverhead, according to a Riverhead Town police report.

Daniel Sicajau Cotzoia was pulled over around 1:20 a.m. and charged with felony first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, police said.

• An East Quogue man was arrested on a drug possession charge in Riverhead last Tuesday, police said.

After Graham Collins, 41, was stopped on East Main Street around 2:20 a.m. for having a headlight out, police found marijuana on the driver’s seat, officials said.

A K-9 dog searched the vehicle and found a pile of green clothing in the back seat where more marijuana was found, officials said.

Mr. Collins was charged with misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal possession of marijuana and a violation, officials said.

Additionally, a passenger in the car was arrested on a bench warrant, the report states.

• A Wading River man was arrested for driving with a revoked driver’s license in Wading River Sunday, police said.

Anthony Peacock, 55, was stopped on Hulse Landing Road around 2:20 p.m. for having an unsecure rear license plate and police learned he had a revoked license, revoked vehicle registration and a fake inspection sticker, officials said.

He was charged with second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle while registration is revoked and having a false inspection certificate, all misdemeanors, police said.

• Abraham Baquiax Ajche was arrested for misdemeanor DWI on Maple Avenue in Riverhead around 3:35 a.m. Sunday, officials said.

• Police arrested Antoinette Smith and a juvenile for misdemeanor petit larceny around 4:35 p.m. at Zumiez at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead Monday, officials said.

• Darian Stewart was arrested for misdemeanor second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on Route 58 in Riverhead around 2 a.m. Sunday, officials said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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An unlicensed Riverhead man was caught driving drunk in Flanders last Thursday after a passing motorist observed him driving erratically with only three tires, according to a Southampton Town police report.

Robert Stepankewich, 66, was pulled over by police on Flanders Road near Long Neck Boulevard, officials said. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, first- and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and two traffic violations, police said.

• An unlicensed Flanders man who failed to pull over for police during a traffic stop was arrested on a drunken-driving charge last Tuesday in Flanders, officials said.

Cristian Escoto-Perdomo, 26, was driving on Hart Avenue when police observed him failing to maintain his lane of travel, police said. Police attempted to pull him over after he also failed to use a turn signal, officials said.

Mr. Escoto-Perdomo didn’t stop for police, drove in the middle of the road and later pulled into his driveway, the report states.

He was charged with DWI, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and several traffic violations, police said.

• Clerks at three local stores were busted in a police sting operation Saturday that found the employees sold alcohol to minors, officials said.

The following clerks were charged with first-degree unlawful dealing of alcohol with a child: Saeed Akhtar, 58, of Patchogue, an employee at Valero gas station on Peconic Avenue in Riverside; Flanders Road 7-Eleven employees Zubair Ahsan, 37, of Patchogue, and Frayner Figueroa-Solorzan, 18, of Riverhead; and Garden Deli employee Morena Garcia-Palma, 24, police said.

• A Cutchogue woman was arrested on drug charges in Riverside after police found her sitting on a milk crate in a “known drug area,” police said.

Police found Maryann Walsh, 43, on Riverleigh Avenue and noticed a glass pipe containing crack cocaine sticking out of her bag, officials said. She was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said.

• Jason Domenici, 41, of Mattituck was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle last Tuesday on Flanders Road in Riverside, police said.

Those who are named in police reports have not been convicted of any crime or violation. The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

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