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Newly released stats show just how much Riverhead crime reports dropped during COVID-19

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Total arrests made by Riverhead Town police in the first half of 2020 fell by about 98% compared to the same six-month period in 2019, according statistics provided by the department.

Police Chief David Hegermiller attributed the decline in crime to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which fewer people have been out and about.

“I think it has to do with COVID,” he said. “People don’t want to leave their homes. I think that has a lot to do with it. There’s been a reduction in activity.”

Chief Hegermiller briefly discussed the department’s latest statistics for June at last Thursday’s Town Board work session. Those stats showed police responded to 26% fewer calls in June (2,102) compared to the same month in 2019 (2,757).

“Things are looking well,” the chief said.

The June statistics for 2019 and 2020 also showed comparatively fewer motor vehicle accidents (down from 174 to 149), way fewer summonses issued (1,225 to 487), fewer prisoners detained (59 to 9), arrests (81 to 12), criminal incidents (192 to 159) and non-criminal incidents (2,565 to 1,943).

The same was true when comparing police statistics from April and May of 2019 and 2020, with the exception that non-criminal incidents increased in April 2020.

The other category where the numbers increased was domestic incidents, which rose from 68 in June 2019 to 83 last month, a trend that police across the country have reported since the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

“Cabin fever maybe?” the chief said. “It is a stressful time for everybody.”

Overall domestic incidents for the first six months, however, showed a minor increase of 13. The biggest increases have come in the last two months.

Crime stats

                     Through June 2019     2020

Calls for service          13,110   12,990

Motor vehicle accidents   893     692         

Arrests                  493     168

Criminal incidents        915     828

Non-criminal incidents    14,778   12,162  

Domestic violence        435     448

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Salon owner requests legal aid in criminal case resulting from operating a nonessential business during shutdown

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Court proceedings on Riverhead’s first case involving a violation of the public health law for operating a nonessential business during the COVID-19 pandemic were adjourned to next month after a Jamesport salon owner appeared in court twice this week without an attorney.

Denise Dellaquila, owner of Dellaquila Beauty, requested legal aid Wednesday after Town Justice Lori Hulse advised her for the second time this week that it’s in her best interest to hire representation.

Ms. Dellaquila, of Mattituck, said she was uncomfortable disclosing her finances in the courtroom, so she was granted an adjournment until Aug. 5 to give her time to find out if she was eligible for legal aid. Assistant district attorney Kyle Glasser said that due to her extended loss of income, the court might be able to find her qualified. 

“I don’t know, but I don’t think that it would be the worst thing in the world if legal aid was assigned at this time based on that fact,” the prosecutor said.

Attorney Steven DeVito of the Legal Aid Society later joined the proceeding via Skype and agreed to handle Ms. Dellaquila’s rearraignment, during which they entered a not guilty plea, but said she would have to follow the usual process of applying for aid before further representation could be provided.

Legal aid is typically reserved for people determined by the court to be poor or needy, though certain agencies also offer services for victims of domestic violence, disabled veterans and others with special circumstances. Funding for the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County is provided mostly through the county government, but also comes through other sources, including New York State.

Ms. Dellaquila was the first person charged in Riverhead Town — and possibly all of Suffolk County — with violating the public health law following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive order prohibiting nonessential businesses from operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At her initial arraignment Monday, she told Judge Hulse she wanted to resolve the matter in the “quickest way possible.”

“I can’t emotionally deal with this,” an emotional Ms. Dellaquila said. “I’m sorry.”

She initially said Monday that she did not wish to hire counsel to represent her, but when the judge advised her for a second time Wednesday that hiring an attorney is in her best interest, considering it is a criminal case, she said she believed one could be provided for her. 

Ms. Dellaquila was also advised by the judge Monday to discuss with prosecutors a possible plea deal.

Violating the public health law is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $2,000 for a first violation and $5,000 for second violation, Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller said shortly after Ms. Dellaquila was charged.

Dellaquila Beauty reopened for the first time in nearly two months Friday, May 15, the same day other parts of the state were set to reopen for Phase 1 of the governor’s plan to end the shutdown. That phase was limited to certain upstate counties at the time and included construction, manufacturing and some retail businsses. The salon owners were fined when they continued to operate for several days despite warnings to close from police. At the time, the county was still experiencing more than 100 new cases each day and 18 people died in Suffolk on the day Ms. Dellaquila received an appearance ticket. There was also a large public outcry for businesses to reopen at the time.

Suffolk County reached Phase 1 a week later, but salons were not permitted to reopen for another 40 days after Dellaquila first returned. The salon owners decided to close again after the ticket was issued and are now back operating. At the time, the Dellaquilas said they did not believe Mr. Cuomo’s executive order was an enforceable law.

Judge Hulse told Ms. Dellaquila on Monday that she has the right to go to trial should she choose to do so.

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Police seek help locating 72-year-old woman who was reported missing

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Update: The woman reported missing has been located and is unharmed, police said.

Original story: Riverhead Town police are seeking the public’s help to locate a missing 72-year-old woman who was last seen at around noon Tuesday.

Theresa Kusterbeck was last seen at Concern for Independent Living at 260 W. Main St. in Riverhead where she lives. She has not had any contact with staff since then despite numerous attempts to contact her. Police said her whereabouts or possible destination are both unknown. She may have used public transportation.

No foul play is suspected.

Ms. Kusterbeck ia 5-foot-5, weighs 220 pounds, has a light complexion, brown eyes, dark brown and gray straight hair, no teeth and walks with short shuffle type steps, police said. A description on her clothing was not available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 631-727-4500.

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Blotters: Flanders man arrested after fleeing police, providing false name

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A 33-year-old Flanders man was arrested after attempting to flee police during questioning late Saturday.

According to a Southampton Town police report, Miguel Estrada Velasquez was observed parked at the David A. Sarnoff Wildlife Preserve after hours with a “known prostitute” in the front passenger seat of his vehicle. During an investigation, police said he refused to give his name and attempted to drive away. He then gave a false name to officers and became aggressive, refusing to comply with police commands and saying “F— you, I’ll kill you,” to an officer, according to a police report.

Police placed Mr. Velasquez under arrest and while seated in a police vehicle, began spitting on the windows, police said.

He was charged with third-degree criminal tampering, false personation and resisting arrest, all misdemeanors, officials said.

• Southampton Town police arrested a 28-year-old Riverhead man for driving while intoxicated in Riverside early Friday.

According to police, Warren Booker kept driving on Nugent Drive as an officer attempted to stop him for speeding and failing to maintain his lane around 5:15 a.m.

When he did pull over, police found Mr. Booker to be intoxicated and charged him with DWI.

• A Northampton woman called police Friday to report that a canoe was stolen from her lakefront property around 11 a.m.

The woman told police she saw an unknown man using the canoe on Wildwood Lake, who didn’t have permission to.

Police responded and found the canoe was abandoned near the rear of the lake. According to a report, a group of people in the area were questioned about the canoe and one person said they found the canoe washed up and admitted to taking it for a ride, but returned it to the same location.

No charges were filed in connection to the incident, reports said.

• Police arrested a Brooklyn man for driving while intoxicated in Northampton Saturday.

According to a report, Jose Rodaso Rellana, 27, was stopped on Center Drive around 11:30 p.m. for failing to maintain his lane when an officer noticed signs of intoxication. Mr. Rellana reportedly admitted to having “a few beers” before driving and was charged with driving while intoxicated, reports said.

• Someone broke a window on a car parked outside GoHealth Urgent Care on Route 58 last Wednesday afternoon and stole a handbag valued at $500, according to Riverhead Town police. 

• A cellphone valued at $400 was reported stolen from a woman at Marshall’s on Route 58 Wednesday afternoon. 

• Cameron Gilbert, 36, of Riverhead was charged with driving while ability impaired and other traffic violations Saturday night on Oakland Drive South in Riverhead. 

• A Riverhead woman told police Friday afternoon that someone used her personal information to apply for unemployment insurance, according to police.

• An unknown amount of merchandise was reported stolen by two men from the Columbia Sportswear store at Tanger Outlets Friday afternoon. 

• Someone stole a wallet Sunday at the Amazing 88 Cent store on Route 58. Police said theft of a wallet is considered grand larceny. 

• A man left Cliff’s Rendezvous on East Main Street Sunday night without paying for $30 worth of drinks, 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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Police investigating burglary at East Main Street business

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Riverhead Town police are investigating a burglary that occurred early Thursday morning on East Main Street.

Police said someone broke into Village Grocery at 733 E. Main St. by breaking the front door glass and pushing it in. The suspect stole an undetermined amount of Lotto tickets and a “couple packs of cigarettes,” police said.

Police received an alarm activation from the business at 4:36 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Riverhead police at 631-727-4500. All calls will be kept confidential.

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Update: 5-year-old Riverhead boy, father both located

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Update (7:50 p.m.): Riverhead police said the 5-year-old boy and his father have been located and the matter has been resolved.

Original Story: Riverhead police are seeking the public’s help in locating a 5-year-old boy believed to be with his father, who is involved in a custody dispute with the mother.

Harold A. Martinez-Santiago is 3-feet-tall and 65 pounds and was last seen wearing black pants, a black shirt and red/blue Nike brand sneakers, police said. He was last seen on July 12 in the area of 1750 West Main Street in Riverhead.

His father, Harold Martinez, 25, may be driving a black 2009 Honda Civic with the New York registration GWL1930, according to police.

If anyone has seen the father and son or has any information on their whereabouts, police are asking you to contact them at 631-727-4500.

 

 

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Blotter: Heroin, crack cocaine found after police stop man observed meeting ‘known drug user’

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Southampton Town police arrested a man and woman on a slew of drug charges in Riverside last Wednesday.

Police stopped Wesley Schultheis, 42, of Riverside on Flanders Road around 7 p.m. after he was observed meeting with a “known drug user” in a nearby parking lot.

During the stop, officers discovered that his non-driver ID had been suspended and a search of the vehicle revealed he was in possession of heroin, a digital scale, envelopes used for drug packaging and glass crack pipes.

His passenger, Marianna Garcia, 36, of Ronkonkoma, was also found to be in possession of crack cocaine, crack pipes, a digital scale and three Xanax pills. In addition, she admitted that she had heroin secreted on her body. 

Mr. Schultheis was charged with several misdemeanors, including third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, as well as several violations.

Ms. Garcia was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia as well as several violations.

The vehicle, $381 in cash and a cellphone were seized from the defendants, who were transported to Southampton police headquarters for processing.

• The Riverhead town bay constable reported seeing an injured osprey in its next on Colonel’s Island (near Indian Island golf course) last Wednesday afternoon. Wildlife Rescue of the Hamptons was called the following day, police said. 

• An air conditioner valued at $329 was reported stolen from Lowe’s on Route 58 Monday afternoon, according to police.

• A check and $300 cash were reported stolen from the console of an unlocked vehicle in the Capital One parking lot on Route 58 Monday afternoon, according to police. 

• Someone stole a trailer hitch from a 2000 Chevy Silverado last Thursday afternoon on Aldersgate Drive, police said. Additional information was not available. 

• A bike was reported stolen from a home on Riverside Avenue last Thursday night, according to police. Additional information was not available. 

• Illegal dumping was reported along the Long Island Rail Road off Marcy Avenue last Tuesday morning, according to police.

• A bicycle was reported stolen from a home on Osborn Avenue early last Wednesday, police said. 

• A Sweezey Avenue resident told police last Wednesday morning that an unknown man threw food on his car, according to police.

• A woman reported that someone had damaged the passenger side window of her 2020 Dodge SUV Saturday afternoon at the Hampton Jitney terminal on Edwards Avenue, 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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Police investigating knifepoint robbery at downtown mini mart early Monday

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Riverhead Town police are searching for a suspect who robbed a downtown mini mart at knifepoint early Monday morning.

Police responded at about 4 a.m. to Stop & Go Mini Mart at 55 W. Main St. after a man stole money from the cash register and threatened an employee behind the counter.

The suspect spoke Spanish and was wearing a baseball-type hat with white writing and had a plastic bag or mask over his face. He was wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts and and tan or beige shoes, police said. He was described as either Black or Hispanic, police said.

The suspect fled on foot with an unknown amount of money and was unable to be located when responding officers canvassed the area.

The employee working at the front counter told police the suspect pointed the knife at her throughout the encounter. Additional employees were inside the store during robbery but were in the back and did not hear the pleas for help from the employee at the counter.

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Update: DNA analysis needed to formally ID woman found dead in Manorville

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Update (Aug. 4): Suffolk police on Tuesday said the woman found dead in Manorville last week has been tentatively identified and an autopsy has been completed.

Police did not disclose the woman’s identity and said official identification is pending DNA analysis. The woman is a resident of the area, police said.

No signs of injuries were detected during the autopsy, police said.

Homicide detectives have notified the woman’s family, police said.

The investigation is still underway to determine the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding her death.

Original story (July 30): A jogger discovered the body of a dead woman in Manorville Thursday morning, according to Suffolk County police.

The department’s homicide squad is investigating the death and an autopsy will be done by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine a cause of death, police said.

A home health aide, who was visiting a resident of Villas at North Pine Hills, discovered the body on the ground in a wooded area just east of Winding Path and called 911 at 10:43 a.m. The woman was pronounced dead by a physician assistant from the medical examiner’s office, police said.

The woman’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the homicide squad detectives at 631-852-6392.

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Police searching for man who may be suicidal

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Southampton Town police are seeking the public’s help to locate a possibly suicidal man who was last seen at the Riverhead Free Library early Tuesday morning.

Police said Brendan Clavin, 31, sent his father several text messages at about 1 a.m. Thursday making suicidal threats. He was spotted on surveillance video at the library at 6:30 a.m. He was wearing tan pants, a black T-shirt, light plaid shirt, white shoes, a multi-colored bandana and had a black backpack.

He may have suffered self-inflicted cuts on his wrists.

Mr. Clavin, who is homeless, is 5-foot-11, weighs about 200 pounds and has hazel eyes and light brown hair in a mohawk style. He is white.

Anyone with information can contact Southampton Town Police Department Detective Division at 631-702-2230; the Southampton Town Police TIPS HOTLINE at 631-728-3454 or by emailing: crimetips@southamptontownny.gov.

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Blotters: $7,886 worth of shirts stolen from Tanger Outlets store

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Two men stole 86 shirts from the Hugo Boss store in Tanger Outlets, according to Riverhead Town police, who said the shirts had a combined value of $7,886. The larceny was reported on Aug. 2, but occurred on July 31, police said. 

• Darnell Giles, 53, of West Babylon was charged with third-degree burglary at the Walmart store on Route 58 last Thursday night, according to police. Additional information was not available. 

• Tyrone Toussaint, age and address unavailable, was charged with driving while intoxicated early Sunday following an automobile accident on North Wading River Road and Hulse Landing in Wading River, according to police. 

• Theodora Midgette, 42, of Riverhead was charged with second-degree harassment last Tuesday morning on East Main Street. Additional information was not available. 

• A vehicle involved in a two-car collision by the Aquebogue Elementary School last Tuesday morning left the scene, having caused damage to a parked car there, according to police. 

•Two women removed an unknown amount of Dove body soap from the CVS Pharmacy on Route 58 last Tuesday night, according to police. 

• About $125 worth of property was reported stolen from a car that was parked on West Main Street Monday afternoon, according to police. 

• Someone opened a garage door of a home on Grant Drive in Aquebogue and removed a brown wallet that was inside a purse that was on the steps of the garage, according to police, who said the report was filed on Monday morning. 

• Southampton Town police arrested a man on drug charges in Riverside Friday.

According to a report, police approached Brian Jenkins, 53, of Riverside around 5:30 p.m. as he was seen entering a wooded area at the dead end of Vail Avenue. As an officer approached, Mr. Jenkins reportedly discarded an object, which was found upon recovery to be a small bag of cocaine.

He was arrested for seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, officials said.

• An Aquebogue man was arrested Saturday after he was found unlawfully occupying a vacant residence on Oak Avenue in Flanders.

Delando Henderson, 25, was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal trespassing, according to police.

• Police responded to a suspicious incident at a deli on Riverleigh Avenue in Riverside just before midnight Sunday. 

According to police, a highly intoxicated man reported that a prostitute took $100 from him while he was walking behind the deli.

The woman told police she is a hairdresser and never exchanged sexual favors for money.

While an officer attempted to interview the man, he reportedly threw his phone on the pavement and refused to cooperate, ultimately leaving the scene in a taxi, reports 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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Area police departments increase speed enforcement for Speed Awareness Week

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If you’ve noticed an increased police presence on the roadway this weekend, then hopefully you’re also keeping an eye on the speedometer.

Police departments across New York are participating in Speed Awareness Week, an initiative of the governor’s traffic safety committee and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The steeped up enforcement is expected to continue through Wednesday.

In Riverhead Town, police have been focused on roadways deemed to have issues with drivers following speed limits. Route 58, Sound Avenue, Peconic Bay Boulevard, Church Lane in Aquebogue and North Country Road in Wading River are among the roads police said they would be posted, the department said in a press release. The Southampton Police Department also sent out a press release announcing it was participating in the initiative.

As part of the campaign, the two departments shared several statistics with the media:

• In 2018, nearly one-third (29%) of all traffic fatalities in New York were caused by speeding. A total of 274 people lost their lives and 1,984 suffered serious injuries in these collisions.

• The number of fatal crashes caused by unsafe speed increased during the summer months with the highest totals in June, July, August and September.

• More than one-third (36%) of the speed-related fatal and personal injury crashes occurred between noon and 6 p.m.

• NHTSA says 3 in 10 people speed. These drivers are also more likely to engage in other risky behaviors (no seat belt, drinking and driving, or using a cell phone while driving). 

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Riverside man charged in stabbing death of girlfriend

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A Riverside man was arrested in the alleged stabbing of his girlfriend Monday, Suffolk County Police said in a press release.

Bayron Fajardo-Gonzalez, 33, has been charged with second-degree murder and will be arraigned Tuesday in Southampton Town Justice Court, police said.

Southampton Town Police responded to 48 Ludlam Ave. at 11:07 p.m. after an occupant of the home called 911 to report Bayron Fajardo-Gonzalez stabbed Tania Fox, police said. Ms. Fox, 45, was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead where she was pronounced dead, according to police. 

No further details were immediately available.

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Good Samaritan assists Sheriffs in rescuing two children from Peconic Bay

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A Good Samaritan helped Suffolk Sheriffs rescue two young children who drifted off on a raft in the Peconic Bay in Hampton Bays Monday.

In a news release, the sheriff’s office said two children, ages 2 and 3, were on a small pool raft when they drifted away from the shore west of the Shinnecock Canal at approximately 5:40 p.m.

The children’s grandmother, a Hampton Bays woman, attempted to swim after the children but was unable to reach them. Tony Lemos, a Freeport man paddle boarding in the area, was able to hold onto the children’s raft but was unable to get back to shore due to the current and wind, officials said.

Deputy Sheriff Thomas Lyons and Deputy Sheriff Joseph Gallo, on patrol on Marine 1 in Peconic Bay, responded alongside Southampton Town Bay Constable Chris Fraser and located the children approximately 1/4 mile offshore. They were able to get the children and Mr. Lemos onboard safely.

The children, who were wearing life vests, were unharmed and brought back to Shinnecock Marina with no injuries.

They were released to the custody of their grandparents, police said.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. thanked the sheriffs, bay constable and Mr. Lemos for their quick response. “These little children will remember this day for the rest of their lives, and it’s one of those stories that will be retold for generations,” Mr. Toulon said. “Between their efforts, the Bay Constable, and the good Samaritan, this whole incident will be fondly remembered.”

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Police investigating shooting on East Main Street

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The Riverhead Police Department is investigating a shooting that sent a woman to the hospital early Wednesday morning.

Police received a call from a resident at the River Pointe apartments reporting that they heard gun shots in the area around 2:24 a.m. and found a woman with minor injuries to her right arm.

The woman was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Riverhead detectives and New York State Police are currently investigating the exact cause of the incident and, with assistance from a K-9 unit, recovered evidence at the scene.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact police at 631-727-4500. All calls will be kept confidential, officials said.

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Blotter: Riverhead man charged in machete attack

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Southampton Town police arrested a Riverhead man on felony assault charges after he reportedly slashed another man with a machete several times early Monday morning.

According to police, the two men were involved in a violent physical altercation on Old Quogue Road in Riverside around 4:20 a.m. when Jhon Velasquez-Estrada, 33, sliced another man with a machete and fled on foot. The victim was transported to Stony Brook University Medical Center via medevac for treatment of serious injuries and Mr. Velasquez-Estrada was arrested for felony first-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor.

• Philip Fiasconaro, 53, of Flanders was arrested for driving with a suspended license after a traffic stop on Flanders Road Saturday around 12:36 a.m.

He was issued an appearance ticket and released in the field, police said.

The Armani store at Tanger Outlets reported Saturday that a woman stole $2,075 worth of men’s T-shirts, according to police. 

• A Wading River woman told police she was scammed out of $4,000 by sending gift cards after she was instructed to open a Zelle account. 

Zelle “is a way to send and receive money though friends, family and others you trust,” according to its website. The incident was reported Saturday, according to police. 

• Assorted chef’s knives and utensils where reported stolen through an open window from a car parked in the Home Depot parking lot on Route 58 last Wednesday morning, according to police, who did not identify the value of the stolen items. 

• A Riverhead woman told police last Thursday morning that charges were made on her debit card without her consent in Connecticut, according to police. Police did not indicate how much was charged to the card. 

• A Baiting Hollow woman told police Monday that someone had illegally opened two bank accounts in her name. The woman said nothing had been taken, according to police. 

• An Aquebogue woman reported being bitten by a neighbor’s dog on Pine Avenue Friday afternoon. The woman was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center by Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance.

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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Charges to be dismissed in Dellaquila Beauty case

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Charges will be dismissed against the only Riverhead Town business owner arrested for operating during the COVID-19 economic shutdown following a plea agreement reached with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

Denise Dellaquila, owner of Dellaquila Beauty on Main Road in Jamesport, agreed to an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal before Judge Lori Hulse in Riverhead Town Justice Court Wednesday. That means that if she avoids legal troubles over the next six months, the charges will be dismissed and she avoids fines.

The disposition came at the recommendation of prosecutors following their investigation into her arrest.

“I met with all the officers on scene and one of the supervising officers,” said Assistant District Attorney Ryan Krumholz. “This [disposition is also] based on a substantial conference with my direct supervisor. This is what we felt the appropriate disposition was.”

Ms. Dellaquila of Mattituck, who appeared before the judge in person Wednesday with her attorney Daniel Rodgers of Southampton on video conference, was the first person charged in Riverhead Town — and possibly all of Suffolk County — with violating the public health law following Governor’s Andrew Cuomo’s executive order restricting non-essential businesses from operating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Violating the public health law is a misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $2,000 for a first violation and $5,000 for second violation, Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller said shortly after Ms. Dellaquila was charged.

Dellaquila Beauty reopened for the first time in nearly two months Friday, May 15, the same day other parts of the state were set to reopen for Phase 1 of the governor’s plan to end the shutdown. That phase was limited to certain upstate counties at the time and included construction, manufacturing and some retail uses. They were fined when they continued to operate for several days despite warnings to close from police. At the time, the county was still experiencing more than 100 new cases each day and 18 people died in Suffolk on the day Ms. Dellaquila was given an appearance ticket. There was also a large public outcry for businesses to reopen at the time.

Suffolk County reached Phase 1 a week later, but salons were not permitted to reopen for another 40 days after Dellaquila first returned. They decided to close again after the appearance ticket was issued and are now back operating as an essential business. At the time, the Dellaquilas said they did not believe Gov. Cuomo’s executive order was an enforceable law.

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Flanders motorcyclist injured in Shirley crash

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A Flanders man was seriously injured after his motorcycle was struck by the driver of an SUV on Sunrise Highway in Shirley early Thursday morning, according to Suffolk police.

Kevin Flores-Salgado, 21, was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue where he is being treated for serious injuries, police said in a press release.

Officials said Jean Cassamajor was driving a 2005 Toyota Sequoia eastbound on Sunrise Highway when he struck Mr. Flores-Salgado, who was also traveling eastbound on a 2017 Kawasaki Ninja, as he attempted to change lanes.

The crash occurred just east of William Floyd Parkway around 6:30 a.m., according to police. Mr. Cassamajor, 54, of North Babylon, was not injured in the crash. Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks.

Police are asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Seventh Squad at 631-852-8752.

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Blotter: Crash leads to aggravated DWI arrest

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A Riverhead man was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated Saturday night after he crashed his car into a marked Riverhead Town police car on West Main Street near Kroemer Avenue.

The incident took place at about 9:39 p.m. when the police officer was driving west on West Main Street and his car was struck from behind, according to police, who said neither driver was injured.

The officer arrested the driver of the other car — Marlon Uz-Cubule, 28, and charged him with aggravated driving while intoxicated and a number of vehicle and traffic violations, according to police.

• About $4,500 worth of miscellaneous power tools were reported stolen from a trailer on Sound Avenue and Fresh Pond Avenue in Baiting Hollow last Wednesday morning, according to police.

• Police received a complaint last Thursday from a man who said an unknown person used his personal information to open up a First National Bank of Omaha account and made purchases of $1,395 through that account, according to police, who have turned the investigation over to the detective unit.

• A man removed 21 items from Target on Route 58 without paying last Wednesday, according to police, who said the total value of the stolen items was $793.11.

• Aidas Beconic, 49, of Riverhead was charged with driving while intoxicated Sunday night on Hubbard Avenue in Riverhead.

• A car speaker, valued at $500, was reportedly stolen from a car parked on Griffing Avenue Tuesday afternoon, according to police.

• A power washer valued at $300 was reported stolen from Maple Tree Deli on West Main Street on Aug. 4, according to police.

• A credit card and a driver’s license where reported stolen from a car parked on Sweezy Avenue in Riverhead Sunday, according to police.

• Southampton Town police arrested a 26-year-old Mastic Beach man on drug charges following a DWI crash in Flanders Friday afternoon.

Police said Richard Kruger left the scene of a crash after striking a utility pole and was stopped on East Street around 1:40 p.m. and found to be under the influence of drugs.

Mr. Kruger also reportedly gave a false name to a police officer in attempt to evade a warrant from the Suffolk County Police Department.

He was charged with false personation, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated, police said.

• Lauren Curdgel, 52, of Coram was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop on Long Neck Boulevard in Flanders Sunday at approximately 5 p.m.

• A 37-year-old Riverhead man was arrested for DWI in Hampton Bays early Sunday morning after a police officer found him asleep in his vehicle.

According to a report, Rigoberto Ruiz-Coz was parked along Route 24 in the shoulder with his left blinker on and was disoriented and intoxicated after an officer banged on his window “numerous times.”

He was charged with driving while intoxicated, according to police.

• Detectives are investigating a report of a burglary in Riverside.

According to police, a woman called Sunday to report that after returning to her home on Flanders Road shortly before 8 p.m., the front door was unlocked, a window screen had been taken off and several items were missing from the residence.

The woman told police she left her home the night prior and neighbors did not report any suspicious activity or people to police, according to a report.

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 Blotter: Crash leads to aggravated DWI arrest appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

Nursery worker in serious condition after being trapped in farm equipment

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A worker at Shade Trees Nursery in Jamesport was hospitalized Saturday after he became trapped in a piece of farm equipment, Riverhead Town Police said in a press release.

The man, who was not identified, got his upper body and his right arm trapped in what police described as “an irrigation hose reel piece of machinery” at the Herricks Lane nursery.

He was unconscious and not breathing when police arrived shortly after 9 a.m., according to the press release, but regained a pulse after police and Riverhead EMS performed CPR on him.

He was freed from the machine by police and other employees at the nursery. The Jamesport Fire Department and Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

The man was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He was in stable, but serious condition Saturday afternoon, police said.

The Riverhead Town Police Detective Division were also requested and responded to assist in the investigation. Representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also responded to the scene for an investigation, police said.

The post Nursery worker in serious condition after being trapped in farm equipment appeared first on Riverhead News Review.

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