Seven Arrested At Patchogue DWI Checkpoint

Seven motorists were arrested on impaired driving charges during an overnight sobriety checkpoint in Patchogue as law enforcement agencies stepped up enforcement for the holiday weekend, Suffolk County Police said.

Officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s Highway Patrol Bureau SAFE-T Team conducted the checkpoint with Suffolk County sheriff’s deputies and New York State Police at Waverly Plaza, 371 North Service Road.

The checkpoint ran from 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, until 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5. A total of 465 vehicles passed through the checkpoint, according to police. Volunteers and staff from Mothers Against Drunk Driving also participated, providing educational information to motorists.

Three drivers were charged with Driving While Intoxicated: Anthony R. Palumbo, 28, of Sayville; Charles E. Lundstrom, 48, of Hauppauge; and Richard S. Kuplen III, 26, of Dix Hills.

Two motorists were charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs: Sharon Catera, 51, of Bohemia, and Robert E. Laudonio, 41, of Bohemia.

Two others were charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol and Drugs: Original God Allah Shaborn, 24, of Mastic, and Darrell Credle-Strasaun, 27, of Ronkonkoma.

Police said the operation was part of a holiday weekend enforcement crackdown targeting motorists suspected of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The seven motorists were scheduled to be arraigned Sept. 5 at First District Court in Central Islip.

Suffolk County Police routinely conduct sobriety checkpoints and increased patrols during holiday periods as part of efforts to identify impaired drivers and reduce alcohol- and drug-related crashes.

Anyone wishing to report a crime anonymously can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, through the P3 Tips mobile app or online at P3Tips.com.

The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.