Suffolk County Police arrested the owner of a Bay Shore business for having drugs on the premises and other violations. Two unlicensed security guards were also issued citations.
In response to community complaints, Third Precinct Crime Section officers — along with the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA), Town of Islip Fire Marshal, and Suffolk County Board of Health — conducted an investigation into Copas Bar, located at 40 Bay Shore Road, on December 7 at 12:20 a.m. The business was found not to be in compliance with multiple penal and state liquor laws and was closed down by the fire marshal.
The owner and manager of the business, Carlos Ruiz-Perez, 46, of Brentwood, was arrested and charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and was issued multiple citations for SLA violations.
Jason Hickson, 46, of Coram, and Voshon Lewter, 27, of Wyandanch, were issued citations for working as unlicensed security guards at the bar.
Ruiz-Perez was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.