Two Area Men Face DWI Charges As Police Ramp Up Patrols

With local and state police agencies cracking down on drunk, drugged and distracted driving during the Fourth of July holiday week, a pair of local residents were among eight in the area who found themselves on the wrong side of the law.

New York State Police.
Photo Credit: *File*

Zak Failla

07/04/2018 9:37 a.m.

As part of the STOP-DWI Independence Day week-long crackdown, State Police troopers busted several motorists for driving while intoxicated as they attempt to stop motorists from drinking and driving in the area.

New York State Police are increasing patrols for several days, beginning on Saturday, June 30 and continuing through Thursday, July 5, including additional sobriety checkpoints and units targeting reckless or aggressive driving statewide “in an effort to keep New York highways safe during one of the busiest summer holidays for travel.”

Police said that during the enforcement, drivers can expect a number of sobriety checkpoints and DWI patrols. Troopers will also be looking for motorists who are using their phones and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. Drivers must also remember to “move over” for stopped emergency and hazard vehicles stopped on the side of the road when they travel on New York roadways.

According to officials, troopers will be using both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles as part of the operation. The CITE vehicles allow Troopers to more easily identify motorists who are using handheld devices while driving. These vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

Among the local residents charged include:

On Monday, July 2, State Police from Middletown arrested Wallkill resident Hector Martinez, 22, for DWI. He was traveling on the Route 17K in Newburgh when he was stopped for committing a vehicle and traffic law violation. An investigation revealed that he was impaired by alcohol and he was subsequently arrested.

On Tuesday, July 3, State Police from Montgomery arrested Monroe resident Dean Purdy, 52, for DWI. He was traveling on the Route 300 in Newburgh when he was stopped for committing a vehicle and traffic law violation. An investigation revealed that he was impaired by alcohol and he was subsequently arrested.

Each of the arrested parties was charged with driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor. Each has since been released to a sober third-party and are due back in court later this year to answer the charges.

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