Suffolk PD: 6 Arrested In Overnight 4th Of July DWI Checkpoint

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Six local people were arrested on charges of drunken driving during an overnight sobriety checkpoint between Saturday and Sunday in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County police said.

Police said the six drivers were arrested by the Highway Patrol Bureau’s Selective Alcohol Fatality Enforcement Team officers who conducted a sobriety checkpoint at the intersection of Route 112 and Hallock Avenue overnight from about 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The checkpoint was “part of an ongoing holiday weekend enforcement initiative targeting alcohol and drug-impaired driving,” according to a statement from police. A total of 435 vehicles went through the checkpoint, police said.

Police said the following people were charged with Driving While Intoxicated:

• Cesar Ortiz, 32, of Bellport
• Erik Anderson, 38, of Port Jefferson Station
• Richard Russo, 61, of Port Jefferson Station
• Hashim Qayyum, 23, of Selden
• Alexia Smith, 23, of Wantagh
• Salvatore Laduca, 58, of Setauket

They will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Sunday.