A Holbrook man told police Nov. 18 that someone stole his 1987 Chevy van from the parking lot of the abandoned Getty gas station on the Riverside traffic circle, according to Southampton Town police. The van was valued at $3,500, police said.

The van had been left at that location for about six months, and its owner said he last saw it there in October, according to police.

• Omar Melgar, 21, of Jarvis Avenue in Oxon Hill, Md., was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated Nov. 18 on Flanders Road in Riverside, near the Enterprise Zone Drive.

Mr. Melgar was observed traveling at a high rate of speed and failing to stay in his lane. Once pulled over, police said he had a smell of alcohol on his breath and glassy eyes. He also performed poorly on field tests and failed a breath screen test, police said.

• An auto mechanic working at a site on Old Quogue Road in Riverside allegedly gave a woman $1,000 on two occasions and requested that police help him recoup the money.

The mechanic told police that a woman he knew only as “Sofia” stopped by for him to work on her vehicle. He said she asked him for $1,000 on two occasions and he gave it to her both times. He told police he did so because he had been exchanging text messages with “Sofia” and he didn’t want his wife to find out about his relationship, according to police.

An officer advised him that he would need to go to small claims court to recoup the money as it’s a civil case. The man also was asked to call police when “Sofia” is with him, if needed, 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 The charges against them may later be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found innocent.

The post Southampton Blotter: Chevy van reported stolen in Riverside appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

A mistrial has been declared in the case of a Calverton man charged with murder following allegations his defense attorney tampered with a witness, federal court records show.

Lawrence Lewis, a 37-year-old alleged Bloods gang member who lives in Calverton, had been on trial since Nov. 13 in connection with a July 2017 killing outside of a Deer Park gentleman’s club. The trial came to an abrupt halt last Monday, Nov. 25, when prosecutors alleged in Eastern District Court of New York that Mr. Lewis’ attorney, Christopher Cassar of Huntington, had sent a text message to a prosecution witness who was about to give testimony at trial, records show. A federal prosecutor said Mr. Cassar, who admitted to the court that he sent the message, is now the subject of an investigation.

Judge Joanna Seybert disqualified the attorney from the case and declared a mistrial.

Prosecutors said Mr. Cassar sent the witness, who is a friend of the defendant, a text message with a link to a New York Post article about a police officer who accidentally shot himself in the groin. The defense in the case, had advanced a theory that John Birt, the victim in the July 29, 2017 murder outside Illusion’s in Deer Park, accidentally shot himself.

“At this juncture, based on the texts you sent to the witness, it appears that there could be no other reasonable explanation than to corrupt the witness with your version of the facts,” Judge Seybert told Mr. Cassar, according to a transcript of last week’s proceedings.

Mr. Lewis was charged with murder, as well as other weapons and drug charges, after he allegedly shot Mr. Birt, who was posing for a photo outside of the club that evening. The shooting followed a fight that ensued when an associate of Mr. Lewis’ flashed a gang sign in the photo Mr. Birt was taking with friends.

Mr. Lewis, who remains in custody and is facing life in prison, was ordered to find a new attorney, though he objected to Mr. Cassar being removed during last week’s proceedings. He is due back in court Dec. 16.

gparpan@timesreview.com

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A pedestrian was killed after being struck by two vehicles on West Main Street in Riverhead Monday, according to Riverhead Town police.

The driver of the first vehicle to strike the victim did not stop. Police believe it is a white SUV with driver’s side damage. A mirror from the vehicle was recovered at the scene.

The victim was a 72-year-old Riverhead man, police said. His identity was not released.

The crash occurred just after 5 p.m. near Riverhead Dodge. Police received multiple calls that a pedestrian had been struck and bystanders were initiating CPR. Responding officers found a man in the roadway with the bystanders administering CPR.

Members of the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded and transported the man to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Police closed West Main Street between Raynor Avenue and Marcy Avenue as the investigation was ongoing.

Police said a preliminary investigation showed the victim had been crossing Main Street from south to north. While standing in the middle of the roadway, he was initially struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound and then a second vehicle traveling westbound.

The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene.

Riverhead detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them at 631-727-4500, ext. 289.

Top photo caption: Police on scene at the West Main Street crash Monday. (Credit: Stringer News)

Police blocking off West Main Street following the crash. (Credit: Tim Gannon)

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A series of tips led police to the owner of a vehicle that fled the scene Monday after striking a pedestrian on West Main Street.

Christopher Oborski, 45, of Moriches was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in a fatality, according to Riverhead Town police. Mr. Oborski was processed and held for arraignment on the felony charge.

The crash Monday resulted in the death of a 72-year-old Riverhead man. Police said Tuesday night the victim’s identity is still being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Police said they received a series of tips from the public and detectives located the vehicle at an auto body shop in the Riverhead area. The owner of the vehicle was later located and arrested.

Police said a preliminary investigation showed the victim had been crossing Main Street from south to north. While standing in the middle of the roadway, he was initially struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound, believed to be Mr. Oborski’s vehicle, and then a second vehicle traveling westbound.

The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene.

The victim was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. First responders had initially called for a medevac before deciding to transport the man to PBMC.

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Riverhead police are searching for a man and a woman believed to have broken into three homes in neighborhoods off Roanoke Avenue during daytime hours Wednesday.

The three burglary reports came from homeowners on Joyce Drive, Merrits Pond Road and Ackerly Street, according to a police press release. Jewelry was reportedly stolen in each instance.

Joyce Drive

A homeowner reported that burglars entered an unlocked rear sliding door and removed jewelry and assorted items from within the residence. A nearby residence equipped with surveillance cameras, captured images of a female and a male subject in the area at approximately 11:30 a.m.

The female suspect was described as being around 30 years old, white or light-skinned Hispanic and was wearing blue jeans, black sneakers, a pullover dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, a light-colored knit hat, light-colored gloves and a light-colored scarf covering her face. The male was described as being in his 20s, white or light-skinned Hispanic and was wearing blue jeans, tan boots, a black zip-up hooded sweatshirt, a dark-colored hat, dark-colored gloves and a dark-colored scarf covering his face.

Merritts Pond Road

A homeowner reported that burglars forcibly entered a side door and removed jewelry, assorted change and medication from within the residence. A nearby resident reports that at approximately 1:30 p.m., a male and female subject knocked on the door and when confronted by the homeowner, they indicated that they were looking for a lost dog. The description of the subjects appear to be the same as Joyce Drive.

Ackerly Street

A homeowner reported that unknown burglars entered an unlocked rear sliding door and removed jewelry and assorted items from within the residence.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Riverhead Police department at 631-727-4500 Ext 633.

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The Riverhead Police Department, in conjunction with the Westhampton Beach and Quogue Village police departments, arrested four people Nov. 28, Thanksgiving Day, in Riverhead, a police press release stated.

The following subjects were arrested and charged during the overnight enforcement period:

Paul Corpas-Reyes, 31, of Mastic was charged with driving while intoxicated, a felony, and unlawful possession of marijuana. A separate police report said Mr. Corpas-Reyes was driving with a bottle of Bacardi in the vehicle.

Samantha McNiff, 30, of Manorville and Roberto Alfieri, 29, of Riverhead were both charged with DWI.

Julio Gutierrez Agosto, 25, of Flanders was arrested on a Riverhead Justice Court bench warrant.

All four subjects were transported to the Riverhead Police Department where they were processed and held for morning arraignment. Enforcement details such as these are a continuing joint effort between the Riverhead, Westhampton Beach and Quogue Village police departments that are held throughout the year.

• Police are investigating a report of grand larceny that occurred at Riverhead Toyota in Riverhead early Friday morning, police reports said.

Around 10 a.m. Friday, the store manager told police a red split V snowplow on the property had been removed overnight. A review of surveillance footage by the manager revealed a gray Ford truck was involved in the theft.

Additional information was not immediately available.

• Police are investigating the cause of a motorcycle incident that occurred last Monday afternoon in the park on Oakland Drive North in Riverhead.

At approximately 1:54 p.m., the Riverhead Police Department received a report that a dirt bike crash occurred in the area near the park, a police press release stated. The vehicle operator was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center via Suffolk County Police Aviation due to injuries sustained. Injuries do not appear to be life threatening at this time, reports said.

• Police responded to a motorcycle accident in Calverton last Monday, a police press release stated.

Around 4:37 P.M., police responded to a report of a motorcycle accident with injuries on Grumman Boulevard.

Upon arrival, police determined the motorcycle struck an SUV, reports said. The responding patrol unit located the male motorcyclist in the roadway with injuries to his lower leg.

Suffolk County Police Medevac Helicopter transported the motorcyclist to Stony Brook University for medical attention. Reports said the operator of the SUV had no injuries at the scene.

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.

Photo caption: Riverhead police on scene of the motorcycle crash at Grumman Boulevard. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

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Riverhead Town’s police and code enforcement officers will receive in-person Mental Health First Aid training, according to Supervisor Laura Jens-Smith.

The training is being done in partnership with the Association for Mental Health and Wellness.

The training comes at no cost to the town and teaches participants how to assist someone who is experiencing mental health distress, or developing a substance use problem.

The course explains how to recognize risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, as well as strategies for how to assist someone both in crisis and non-crisis situations, and when it would be best to turn to others for help, Ms. Jens-Smith said.

The eight-hour course will take place in Riverhead.

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Gamaliel Hernandez, 30, of Riverhead was arrested last Tuesday around 7:29 p.m. for third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and for an equipment violation caused by inadequate license plate lamps. Police observed Mr. Hernandez towing a trailer north on Route 104, north of CR 31. The trailer did not have functioning plate lamps, prompting a traffic stop. During the stop, an officer determined that Mr. Hernandez had a revoked driver’s license privilege. He was arrested near Quogue Riverhead Road in Flanders.

• A Riverhead woman called Southampton police last Monday around 8:12 a.m. to report a case of petit larceny. The woman told police that between 1 and 2 a.m. a man walked onto the driveway of her Goodridge Avenue home and stole a pair of black Michael Kors sunglasses, valued at $300, from her vehicle.

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 people were injured after a struggle ensued with two armed suspects who entered a Riverhead apartment early Sunday in a targeted attack, according to Riverhead Town police.

Multiple shots were fired from a long gun when the suspects entered the apartment, although none of the injuries were related to the gunfire, police said.

The incident unfolded around 3:15 a.m. inside apartment No. 12 at the Doctors Path Apartment complex at 641 Doctors Path. Police originally were responding to a report of two people suffering gunshot wounds. Responding officers found several people within and around the area of the apartment.

Four people were transported to area hospitals with various injuries that resulted from the struggle between the occupants and the suspects, police said. Two people found in the area were not injured.

Riverhead police were assisted by multiple departments at the scene, including Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Riverhead Fire Department, Flanders Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Westhampton Beach Ambulance and Suffolk County Aviation.

Police said the incident does not appear to be random. The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information to contact police at 631-727-4500.

No arrests have yet been reported and police did not release any description of the suspects.

Police have responded to the apartment complex several times in recent years.

Two masked men armed with a gun and knife stormed a 22-year-old woman’s apartment in 2013. Police at the time said the incident was related to “illegal drug activity.” A Riverhead teen was arrested soon afterward in connection to that incident.

The East End Drug Task Force arrested five people in 2014 after executing a search warrant at an apartment. The suspects were all charged with felonies for criminal possession of cocaine.

Two people were arrested in September 2015 after another East End Drug Task Force investigation. Two suspects were charged with multiple drug charges. In October 2015, another man living at one of the apartments was arrested for drugs possession during an task force raid.

Police responded to a shooting in 2017 at the same location when numerous expended shell casings and other evidence of gunfire were recovered. No injuries were reported in that incident.

Photo caption: Riverhead police at the scene early Sunday. (Credit: Stringer News)

joew@timesreview.com

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Jim Devaney often takes his dog Carson for a walk in the open space behind their Wading River home that abuts the former Great Rock Golf Course’s 18th fairway. Carson, a black Labrador retriever, never strays too far from his owner.

Shortly after noon on Sunday, Carson headed toward the edge of the pond on the golf course. The dog, who just turned 6, loves to swim. Mr. Devaney will even take him to the beach on cold days like Sunday.

“Doesn’t bother him a bit,” he said.

As Carson neared the edge of the pond, he stumbled into a steep ravine that was covered with leaves. He started to slide down and the front half of his body splashed into the water. Mr. Devaney could see Carson’s head go under water. He assumed the Lab would just jump in all the way and start to swim. Instead, Carson began to back up, unaware of an 18-inch drainage pipe behind him that runs horizontally underground to route rain water runoff from higher elevations into the pond.

Carson backed up and squeezed his way directly into the drainage pipe. Mr. Devaney was about 20 feet away and began to yell Carson’s name. The dog kept backing farther and farther into the pipe. He quickly ended up about 20-30 feet into the pipe with no way to move forward.

“I kind of panicked at first,” Mr. Devaney said. “I ran down and jumped into the water to see if I could get him. By that point, he was already in the pipe and backing up even farther.”

Firefighters dug a hole about 50 feet away from the entrance to reach the pipe where Carson was stuck. (Credit: Wading River Fire Department)

Mr. Devaney raced back toward his house and got his 16-year-old son, Jimmy, who had two friends at the house.

When they got back toward the pond, they couldn’t see or hear Carson.

They tried to figure out what to do next.

“It was just too dangerous for even my son, as skinny as he is, to slither into this pipe,” Mr. Devaney said.

After about 20-30 minutes, they realized they needed help. So Mr. Devaney dialed 911.

Just before 1 p.m., the Wading River Fire Department was activated. Members of the department were escorting Santa through the community and collecting food for its annual “Stuff-a-Bus” food drive when the call came over.

Jim Devaney thanks a Wading River firefighter after Carson was freed. (Credit: Wading River Fire Department)

Chief Anthony Bitalvo and Riverhead Town police officer Kaley Castantine, who was the Riverhead PBA’s Officer of the Year in 2018, arrived on scene first.

The response was swift as about 15 firefighters and EMS personnel arrived with every type of equipment they thought might be useful. A heavy rescue truck, engine and other support vehicles arrived on scene as did members of North Fork Animal Welfare League, which operates as the town’s animal control department.

First Assistant Chief Branden Heller was one of four chiefs at the scene.

“We determined that it was going to be a pretty intense kind of situation to try to get the dog out,” he said. “The dog was basically four feet underground in a drainage pipe that started 50 feet from the entrance.”

Time was critical. Carson was wet from falling into the water and the air temperature was barely above freezing. If he was stuck for too long, hypothermia could set in.

The first responders began to dig an access hole approximately 50 feet back from the open end of the pipe where Carson entered. They used a narrow vertical vent pipe, midway between the pond’s edge and the rescue hole, to see if they could hear Carson. An EMT dropped in dog treats.

“We could hear him crying and whimpering,” Mr. Devaney said. “He just couldn’t move forward as much as we called him. We knew he was OK, but he was just stuck in there.”

Mr. Heller said Mr. Devaney was critical in helping the first responders pinpoint where the dog was stuck.

“One way or another, we were going to get the dog out,” Mr. Heller said.

They were able to quickly dig and reach the top surface of the pipe. As they prepared to cut into the pipe, the first responders hoped the dog hadn’t backed up past the point of the rescue hole.

As they stood in the pond, up to their knees in water, they could shine a flashlight and see Carson’s blinking green eyes.

A large portion of the top section of the drainage pipe was removed and Carson was about a foot or two away from the newly opened rescue hole.

Mr. Devaney was able to guide Carson out of the hole. The first responders wanted to make sure the dog saw someone he knew in case he was scared.

Carson was “ecstatic” to be free.

“He’s a lab full of energy and just always happy to see people,” Mr. Devaney said. “When he got out of the pipe and he was surrounded by 30 or so people, he was just super excited.”

Carson recently got some special treats to celebrate his 6th birthday. (Credit: Courtesy of Jim Devaney)

Carson emerged out of the pipe in good health.

“I think we were kind of shocked to see a 110-pound dog come out of the little pipe,” Mr. Heller said.

Mr. Devaney, who’s a pilot for United Airlines, posed with his family members, Carson and the first responders for a photo once the rescue was complete.

“It was very impressive to think the amount of care that both Riverhead police and Wading River Fire Department put in,” he said.

Mr. Heller said they went back later in the afternoon to check on Carson. “The whole family was relieved,” he said.

The next day, Carson was back to normal.

“The end result is he got a bath out of it and got to meet a whole bunch of new people,” Mr. Devaney said.

Top photo caption: The Devaney family poses with Carson and the first responders who worked to free the dog from a drainage pipe Sunday. (Credit: Wading River Fire Department)

joew@timesreview.com

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A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the person responsible for throwing an 8-week-old pit bull puppy mix out of a dark colored SUV in Calverton.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. Wednesday near Calverton National Cemetery, according to the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

A reward of $2,000 was initially offered Thursday before being bumped up another $1,000 Friday. The SPCA is offering the first $2,000 and the New York State Humane Association will add the additional money.

The license plate of the vehicle began with TZR, according to the SPCA.

The SPCA was notified Wednesday by a witness who saw the dog get tossed out of the moving SUV. The puppy was transported to an animal hospital in Riverhead.

Anyone with information or who recognizes the dog is asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

Photo credit: Suffolk County SPCA

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A 78-year-old Riverhead man was arrested for allegedly driving drunk on Main Road in Aquebogue last Tuesday afternoon.

Police stopped William Downing after an officer saw his black Cadillac SUV nearly cause a collision on Main Road just east of Edgar Avenue. Upon further investigation, police observed an open 24-ounce can of Coors beer in the vehicle’s cup holder.

Mr. Downing told officers he had “a few beers” prior to driving and a preliminary breath test registered at .22%, the report said. A secondary test registered at .17%.

He was arrested, charged with driving while intoxicated and arraigned in Riverhead Town Justice Court the following morning.

• An Elton Street resident called police Friday morning to report that an unknown person unplugged his Christmas lights and damaged a window frame on a shed overnight.

• Four DeWalt nailers valued at $1,200 were reported stolen from the Home Depot in Riverhead Friday at approximately 1:28 p.m.

• Riverhead Town police arrested a 43-year-old Bellmore man — who was reported missing by the Nassau County Police Department — at the Peconic Plaza 7-Eleven on Old Country Road early last Wednesday morning.

According to police, John Rocco was arrested around 1:58 a.m. and found to be in possession of a .38 caliber Derringer handgun. He was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, officials said.

• Leslie Harris, 47, of Brookhaven was arrested on drug charges last Wednesday at a Middle Road residence.

He was charged with second-degree criminal trespassing and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, both misdemeanors. Police did not provide any additional information.

• Denise Croke, 30, of Patchogue was arrested and charged with petit larceny after she attempted to steal $348 worth of merchandise from Target in Riverhead last Wednesday at approximately 5:17 p.m.

• A Fresh Pond Avenue resident called police last Thursday morning to report that an unknown white minivan struck his mailbox and left the scene.

• Police arrested Daniel Hughes, 38, of Riverhead following a domestic dispute near Lincoln Street last Tuesday afternoon.

According to police reports, Mr. Hughes was charged with resisting arrest and second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, both misdemeanors, following the incident.

• A DeWalt drill valued at $219 was reported stolen from Lowe’s on Old Country Road last Tuesday around 4:48 p.m.

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 Police on Wednesday announced the arrests of two men in connection with a Dec. 8 burglary on Doctors Path.

James Scagel, 39, of Riverhead was arrested Dec. 8 and charged with one count of first-degree burglary. The second suspect, Brad Sams, 39, of Hampton Bays was arrested on Dec. 12 and also charged with first-degree burglary.

Police did not release the names of the arrestees until Wednesday, Dec. 18.

In the home invasion, police received reports of gunfire inside apartment No. 12 at the Doctors Path Apartment complex at 641 Doctors Path.

It was originally reported that at least two people inside the apartment were suffering from gunshots wounds.

Police said they located several people in and around the area of the apartment, of which four people were transported to area hospitals with various injuries.

Police said an investigation conducted at the scene revealed that two armed men entered the apartment and multiple shots were fired from a long gun, but that none of the reported injuries appears to be related to the gunfire.

A struggle between the suspects and the occupants of the apartment ensued and the injuries were sustained during that struggle, police said at the time.

The incident did not appear to be a random act, according to police, and the occupants of the apartment appeared to be the intended target of the incident.

Both of the men who were arrested were initially transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of injuries suffered that night and both were subsequently arraigned after they were released and then remanded to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility.

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A proposition on the ballot in last Tuesday’s Jamesport Fire District elections was defeated and incumbent commissioners in three area districts were reelected to new five-year terms. The commissioners serves as the governing body over their respective fire districts, taxing jurisdictions that oversee local the fire departments, which are mostly volunteer.

Below is a rundown of last Tuesday’s election results in each district.

Flanders

Michael Spano, returning after a two-year break, regained a commissioner’s seat in an uncontested race. He received 14 votes. Outgoing chief Scott Lambeck received two write-in votes .

Jamesport

A proposition to make the treasurer’s position an appointed post instead of an elective office failed in a 77-88 vote. Incumbent commissioner John Newman defeated challenger Nate Edington in a 93-75 vote.

Manorville

Incumbent commissioner Dennis Hendrickson received 174 votes in an uncontested race.

Riverhead

Incumbent commissioner Edward Carey Jr. received 87 votes in an uncontested race.

Wading River

A request for election results received no response by presstime.

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Riverhead Town voters will go to the polls on Nov. 2, 2020, to determine whether the supervisor’s term should be increased from two years to four.

The Town Board held a public hearing on the proposal Tuesday, and it was supported by several speakers there, after which the board approved a motion to require the Nov. 2, 2020, referendum.

If it is approved by voters, the first town election that would have a four-year supervisor term will begin Nov. 2, 2021.

Proponents of the change, including current supervisor Laura Jens-Smith, who will leave office at the end of this year, argue that the two-year term is too short, because officials have to begin campaigning again halfway through their term, making it difficult to do long-range projects.

Councilwoman Jodi Giglio opposed the measure, saying that if an official is backed by the public, he or she will be reelected. She opposed scheduling the referendum, which was supported by the other board members.

Ms. Giglio said another benefit it that the two-year term for supervisor, combined with four-year terms for council members, gives the public the ability to replace a majority of the board every two years.

Riverhead voters have rejected this same proposal three times in the past.

tgannon@timesreview.com

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Simon Pedro-Andres of Flanders, 23, was arrested early Friday on Kroemer Avenue in Riverhead for driving while intoxicated, police reports said.

At approximately 12:46 a.m., Mr. Pedro-Andres was stopped at the intersection of Kroemer Avenue and West Main Street. Upon further investigation, he was found to be intoxicated and driving without a license.

He was charged with DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony, driving with a false inspection certificate, a misdemeanor, and three additional traffic violations.

Mr. Pedro-Andres was processed and held for morning arraignment.

• A 15-year-old boy residing at Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch on Middle Road was arrested Friday afternoon for criminal mischief, police reports said.

Around 1:42 p.m., police responded to a report of a resident damaging property at an administrative building. Reports said the boy damaged a glass door and handle.

The boy was taken into custody and transported to Riverhead Town police headquarters to be processed. He was then released to his guardian.

• Police are investigating a report of petit larceny that occurred Saturday evening at Stop & Shop in Riverhead, reports said.

Around 9:12 p.m., the store owner contacted police and informed them that an unknown male entered the store at 8:30 p.m. and attempted to leave with $247.91 worth of groceries without paying for them. The individual was stopped by the owner, but then fled on foot in a westbound direction.

The individual was gone before police arrived. Video surveillance was reviewed by police but did not provide police with additional information, reports said.

• A suspicious person attempted to break into a vehicle on Industrial Boulevard in Riverhead Friday evening, police reports said.

Around 9:30 p.m., an individual reported an unknown man attempted to enter her 2011 Toyota sedan parked on the street. When police arrived at the scene, the vehicle doors were locked and no entry had been made. Police spoke with the individual who stated the unknown subject left the area prior to their arrival. The area was searched, but he was not found. Police took no additional action.

• Police investigated a report of criminal mischief that occurred last Wednesday afternoon at Advanced Auto Parts on Old Country Road in Riverhead.

The store manager reported at approximately 1:53 p.m. he had to terminate an employee due to multiple late arrivals to his shifts. When the employee was notified of his termination, he allegedly became irritated and threw the store key and register key across the store. As he exited the store, the individual knocked over a trash can and punched the passenger side mirror of the manager’s vehicle, causing the glass to break, police reports said.

Police advised the owner to change the alarm code and door locks to prevent further issues or damage. The manager did not press charges at the time of the report, but wished the situation to be documented.

• Police investigated a report of petit larceny that occurred last Wednesday evening at the Riverhead Costco, reports said. An assistant manager reported that at 3:09 p.m., an unknown suspect removed a Dyson V8 vacuum valued at $299.99 from the store without paying for it.

The suspect was described as female in her mid-30s, wearing a black parka, grey sweatpants, glasses and a multicolored winter hat. Police reports said the assistant manager will press charges if the subject is located. Police advised the manager to call 911 if the subject returns. No additional action was taken by 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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Jenny Noemi Fajardo Alvarracin, 20, of Hampton Bays was arrested on a host of charges Sunday around 5:34 p.m.

Police received a call about a motor vehicle accident on Maple Avenue in Flanders, with the caller stating that the driver of the vehicle had fled the scene prior to police arrival. Police canvassed the area and were able to locate Ms. Fajardo Alvarracin. They reported witnessing multiple vehicle and traffic infractions.

The charges included moving unsafely from a lane; leaving the scene of an accident with property damage; illegally signaling while less than 100 feet from a turn; unsafely turning or failing to signal; operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content of .08%, her first such offense; and driving while intoxicated, also her first such offense.

The arrest took place near Long Neck Boulevard  and Flanders Road in Flanders.

• Michele Ann Kaplan, 31, of Oceanside was arrested last Wednesday around 2:52 p.m. for possessing a quantity of crack cocaine. She was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. Ms. Kaplan was arrested near Old Quogue Road and Pine Street in Riverside.

• Lindsay Diane Begg, 32, of Calverton was arrested Saturday around 9:12 a.m. and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. She was also issued a uniform traffic ticket for operating a vehicle with a suspended license. Ms. Begg had been involved in a two-vehicle crash with no reported injuries when police determined her license had been suspended for a prior insurance lapse on Sept. 3. She was arrested near the traffic circle by Peconic Avenue in Riverside.

• Damian A. Guinzo, 42, of Flanders was arrested Saturday around 8:30 p.m. for operating a motor vehicle without a license, for an equipment violation involving his vehicle’s exhaust system and for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree. Mr. Guinzo was initially stopped near Ponquogue Avenue and Good Ground Road in Hampton Bays for a vehicle and traffic violation when an investigation revealed that his privilege to operate a motor vehicle in New York State had been revoked. He was issued a uniform traffic ticket.

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 Southampton and Riverhead Town Police Departments conducted extra DWI patrols Saturday night into Sunday as part of the East End DWI Task Force, resulting in multiple arrests.

Three of those arrests were in the Flanders area of Southampton Town.

Police charged Maria Leonor Dominguez, 33, of Riverhead with aggravated driving while intoxicated for driving with a blood alcohol content of .18% or more, according to police. She was also charged with several traffic violations. Police said she was stopped after being observed driving south in the center turn lane of Flanders Road and failing to maintain lane and driving on the shoulder.

James Trent, 22, of Flanders was arrested for DWI after being observed driving north on County Road 105 near Route 24 in Flanders without a front tire. Police said he was found to be intoxicated.

Dimas Cartagena-Memjivar, 42, of Riverhead faces two felony charges because he has been previously convicted of DWI. Police said he was observed driving north on Route 24 near Red Creek Road in Flanders and failed to maintain his lane and was driving on the shoulder, north of County Road 31 in Flanders. Police said he was intoxicated and was also required to have an ignition interlock device. He was charged with felony DWI and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, circumventing an interlock device and traffic violations, police said

Jorse Ajanel-Yac, 34, of Quiogue was charged with DWI and unlicensed operation for failing to maintain his lane in Westhampton, police said.

During the DWI Task Force patrols, which spanned from 8 p.m. Saturday until 4 a.m. Sunday, police noted there were no motor vehicle crashes with injuries reported to police.

“The Southampton Town police would like to thank all of the designated drivers and those who did drink and chose not to drive, for helping make this holiday season safer upon Southampton Town roadways,” police said in a press release.

Riverhead police announced four arrests from two sobriety checkpoints along with targeted DWI enforcement.

Diane Nisler, 61, of Calverton was charged with DWI.

Hector Perez-Rodriguez, 32, of Riverhead was charged with aggravated DWI.

Tiffany Hyatt, 29, of Middle Island was charged with DWI.

Thomas Wolkwitz, 24, of Manorville was charged with DWI alcohol/drugs.

A checkpoint in Calverton also resulted in the location of a 91-year-old Amityville man who was reported missing via Silver Alert. He was returned to his family, police said.

The Task Force was a combined effort from Riverhead officers, New York State police, Suffolk County police and Southold police.

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A fire isolated inside one room at 260 W. Main St. in Riverhead Thursday evening displaced more than 30 residents and resulted in a massive response from first responders.

The residents who had to be evacuated live a building run by Concern for Independent Living at the corner of Osborn Avenue and West Main Street. No injuries were reported, according to Riverhead Det. Pat Waski.

A fire alarm went off around 6:15 p.m. and members of the Riverhead Fire Department and Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps. quickly arrived on scene. Multiple departments assisted, including the Wading River, Mattituck Cutchogue and Southold fire departments. West Main Street was closed off as first responders were on scene for more than three hours.

The residents were being transported to nearby hotels until the complex could be cleared, Det. Waski said. Some residents were still in the process of being transported at around 9:30.

“Everybody was pretty well organized considering the environment,” Det. Waski said of the evacuation.

Mike Caron, assistant chief for the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps. said the residents were all kept warm and safe in various ambulances and fire trucks while a more permanent housing solution was sorted out. He said the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management and American Red Cross both assisted as well.

The final tally of residents transported to a local hotel for emergency housing was 31, he said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Riverhead Fire Marshal and the Suffolk County Arson Squad is assisting. Det. Waski said he did not have any further details on what may have started the fire. The front of the building was blocked off with crime tape Thursday night as the investigation was underway.

Concern for Independent Living is one of the largest housing agencies of its kind in New York, according to its website. The nonprofit currently has more than 240 locations serving 1,100 people.

Correction: The final number of residents transported was 31. The original number provided was around 40.

Top photo caption: Police tape blocked off the front of the building. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

Police had the road by West Main and Osborn Avenue blocked off. (Credit: Joe Werkmeister)

joew@timesreview.com

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The Riverhead Town Board voted to hire an engineering firm to design a proposed new ambulance building.

The board voted Dec. 17 to hire H2M Architects and Engineers to do engineering, consulting and technical services in connection with the schematic design phase for the proposed new ambulance building.

Where it will be located has not yet been determined, according to Councilman Tim Hubbard.

“We haven’t designated a piece of property for it yet, we’re looking at a couple different options,” he said. “We’re getting the specifications done, and then we’re going to figure out how much it’s going to cost, and then we’re going to figure out where we are going to put it.”

The Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps has been seeking a larger building for years. The current headquarters, which is owned by the town in its capacity as ambulance district commissioners, is on Osborn Avenue.

Mr. Hubbard said that is “not really the ideal location.”

He said Peconic Bay Medical Center is looking to help do a capital fundraising campaign to help offset the cost of the new building, he said.

tgannon@timesreview.com

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