A Hempstead man has been arrested for allegedly driving drunk with three children in the car, a violation of Leandra’s Law.
On July 4 at 6:50 p.m., Nassau County police officers observed a gray 2009 Honda SUV allegedly commit a Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) infraction while traveling in the vicinity of Ocean Parkway and Wantagh Parkway. Officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a VTL stop. The driver, Rafael Melgar, 50, had glassy eyes and had an odor of alcohol emanating from his breath.
A Standard Field Sobriety Test was conducted, resulting in positive results. Melgar was placed under arrest without incident. No injuries reported at the scene.
The vehicle’s three passengers — ages 15, 13 and five — were safely released into the custody of a family member.
Police charged Melgar with three counts of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Child Under 16) under Leandra’s Law, three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Driving While Intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle with BAC of more than 1% and multiple VTL infractions. He is scheduled to be arraigned on July 5 at First District Court in Hempstead.