REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Following an investigation into a reported domestic dispute and a history of problems over several months, police arrested Thomas P. Ritzler, 48, of Shelter Island on Nov. 18 on the following felony charges: two counts of assault in the 2nd degree and three counts of strangulation in the 2nd degree. Mr. Ritzler was also charged with one count of criminal mischief – a misdemeanor.

He was processed and then arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court where he was released on $10,000 cash bail and instructed to return to court at a later date. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

Summonses
Diego R. Tarqui of East Hampton was given a ticket on North Menantic Road on Nov. 12 for driving with no/inadequate lights.

On the 13th, Robert A. Merrill of Rensselaer, N.Y. received a summons on North Cartwright road for speeding – 45 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone.
Police conducted 17 traffic stops and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, Menantic, South Ferry, Cartwright, the Heights and West Neck every day between Nov. 12 and 18, resulting in two tickets and nine warnings to motorists.

Other reports
A motion alarm at a home in the Heights was set off accidentally by the caretaker on Nov. 12. That day, police investigated a possible gift card scam in West Neck.

A person visited police headquarters on Nov. 13 to complain about a tenant dispute and was advised to contact police again if the hostilities escalated.
Also on the 13th, a possible violation of an order of protection was reported.

On Nov. 14, police assisted the East Hampton Town police with the transport off-Island of an arrested person.

Police received a report on Nov. 14 about an unauthorized person hunting in Dering Harbor. An officer located the hunter who was permitted to hunt there but had parked his vehicle in the wrong location. He moved the vehicle and resumed hunting.

An anonymous caller told police on Nov. 14 about a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign in the Center. Police searched the area but the vehicle had gone.
The same day, police responded to a report of broken water pipes at a Hay Beach home. An officer gained entrance and turned off the water; there was no damage.

During the week, officers completed two training sessions off-Island: An “intoxilyzer” recertification class in Yaphank and a fourth-quarter rifle qualification.

On Nov. 15, a Center caller reported that a neighbor’s tree had fall on her property. Also on that day, a caller requested that the police document, for information purposes, an on-going complaint with a Menantic neighbor. Police also followed up on a report about a missing trailer.

A Cartwright caller told police on Nov. 16 that an unknown vehicle had pulled into the driveway at night. The lights were turned off but it did not appear that anyone had left the vehicle. An extra patrol of the area was requested. The incident was caught on video surveillance and it will be reviewed by the responding officer.

During the week police opened an investigation into a Suffolk County Crime Stoppers tip-line request. Officers checked on the well-being of two individuals, followed up on found property and unlocked two vehicles with the keys inside.

Alarms
Police responded to a burglary alarm in Hay Beach on Nov. 13 and found the building was secure. The next day, the Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD) investigated a carbon monoxide alarm. Although there was an odor of possibly burning wires, the source was not located and it was declared a false alarm.

Also on the 14th, a neighbor reported hearing an alarm at a Menantic residence. Police found the faulty alarm in a dumpster on the property.

A Center caller on the 17th told police that the CO alarm was “chirping,” but the SIFD found no trace of carbon monoxide and stated that the sensor mechanism had expired.

Also on the 17th, an alarm company informed police that Ram Island homeowners were attempting to change batteries in the smoke detector when it was set off. This was confirmed by the SIFD.

Animal reports
Injured deer in Cartwright and the Center were put down by police on Nov. 12 and 18.

Dogs at large were reported in a Center playground and in Silver Beach on Nov. 15. Police searched the areas with negative results.

A caller reported finding a small dog in Silver Beach on Nov. 12; police returned it to the owner. A caller told police about barking dogs in Hay Beach on Nov. 14 and was concerned about their access to shelter. The dogs were not barking when police arrived and had access to the house through a dog door.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported three people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Nov. 14 and 15. On Nov. 18, a fourth patient was taken to Klenawicus field on Nov. 18 and airlifted by helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Summonses
Theresa Denara of Shelter Island was given a ticket on Nov. 23 for a town code violation – dogs barking for more than 20 minutes in the Hay Beach area.

Accidents
Adrian Geovanny Villa-Lituma of Torrington, Conn. was on board the South Ferry on Nov. 19. He said he thought he had put his vehicle in park and had taken his foot off the brake. The vehicle lunged over the wheel chock and into the lift gate, causing more than $1,000 damage to the front end of the vehicle and minor damage to the gate.

Christian DeDalmas of Shelter Island was driving southbound on Manhasset Road on Nov. 20 when a deer jumped over the fence onto the southbound traffic. His vehicle hit the deer and the damage to the front of the vehicle was estimated at more than $1,000.

Other reports
On Nov. 19, a caller reported a suspicious vehicle in a Westmoreland driveway. Police responded and were told the car belonged to a home cleaner.

Police opened a confidential investigation on Nov. 19. That day, a caller reported, for information purposes, receiving unwanted calls, and police followed up on a reported post on social media.

Police were informed about a phone scam on Nov. 20 — a caller pretending to be an NYPD officer in an attempt to solicit personal information.

Also on the 20th, a caller notified police he would be searching for his cat on a Center business property — in the event someone thought he was trespassing and called 911. He was advised to let the animal control officer know if the cat was not found.

An injured deer was reported in the Center on Nov. 21 but was gone when police arrived. A second deer was stuck in a fence in the Center on Nov. 23. An officer freed the deer but its hind legs were severely injured; the deer had to be put down. An anonymous caller told police on Nov. 22 that a pickup truck had hit a wild turkey and killed it. Police searched the area for both the truck and the turkey with negative results.

On Nov. 22, a complainant told police that a false report had been made to Child Protective Services.
Police on patrol on Nov. 23 noticed what appeared to be debris behind a Heights building. That day, an officer followed up on a possible violation of an order of protection.

A Menantic resident complained to police about a dispute with a contractor on Nov. 24.

Also on the 24th, a Center resident reported on the possible compromise of the caller’s social media accounts. Police were told there were sparking wires along a flag lot driveway in the Center. An officer found that the power line was bare but there were no sparks. PSEG was notified.

Between Nov. 20 and 24, police conducted 10 traffic stops and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, resulting in four warnings to motorists.

During the short week, officers had lunch with pre-K students; participated in a rifle qualification training program in West Hampton; shut off a water supply valve to stop an outdoor shower leak; responded to two lost and found reports; jump-started a vehicle; and opened a second one with the keys locked inside.

Alarms
There were six alarms during the week. On Nov. 21, a fire alarm was accidentally set off in Hay Beach by a plumber soldering pipes. The next day, a residential alarm in Silver Beach was activated; the caretaker said he had a problem with the front door sensor while setting the alarm.

The same day, a toddler hit the emergency button in the library elevator, and a residential alarm on Ram Island was set off; the caretaker forgot to disable the alarm when letting someone into the residence. Also on Nov. 22, a residential alarm at a South Ferry home was activated; police found the windows and door secure.

On Nov. 23, a commercial alarm went off at the South Ferry Company by an employee who was not aware that the alarm had been set.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported five people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Nov, 19, 21 and 23.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Summonses
Amelia V. Banaag of the Bronx was stopped by police on South Ferry Road on Nov. 26 and ticketed for failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. She was also given a summons for driving while using a cellphone without a hands-free device.

The next day, Adam R. Janiel of Selden was stopped on Locust Avenue for driving a vehicle with a non-transparent front windshield.

Police conducted 17 traffic and radar stops, distracted driving and DWI enforcement during the week, Nov. 26 to 28 and Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 2, resulting in three tickets and nine warnings.

Other reports
A caller alerted police on Nov. 26 that someone might be drinking in a parked truck in the Center. Police located the vehicle in question and found a person resolving an issue over the phone.

On that day, police were told that a person had been sitting in a vehicle parked at a dead end in Montclair for a prolonged period of time. According to the police report, the person was finishing up some paperwork.

A Center caller was concerned on Nov. 26 when someone knocked on the front door and then left. An officer canvassed the area with negative results.

Police found on Nov. 27 that a report to Child Protective Services was unfounded.

An investigation into a possible case of fraud was opened on Nov. 27.

Police received a call on the 27th that a transformer might be on fire in Hay Beach. An officer subsequently learned that the flashing lights the caller saw were part of a new system to detect lightning in the area.

On Nov. 28, police assisted Southold and Riverhead police departments in locating a missing person who was later transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for evaluation.

A complaint was received on Nov. 29 about a parked vehicle blocking access to additional parking for a Mashomack Preserve event. Police left a message for the owner to move the vehicle.

Police responded to a verbal altercation in the Center on Nov. 29.

Loud music was reported in West Neck on Nov. 30. The residence’s owners said the band playing on the porch would be finished at 1 a.m. Police responded to another call at about 1:15 a.m. and the owners had the band stop when police arrived for a second time.

Also on the 30th, a Heights caller complained about damage caused by a vehicle being driven on grass. Officers saw no damage, but advised the caller to fence off the area or post a sign that driving on the turf was not allowed.

A young person was reported riding a go cart in the Shorewood area late in the afternoon on Nov. 30. The caller was concerned about the safety of the rider and other vehicles. The area was searched with negative results.

On Dec. 1, a caller reported seeing a groundhog that was possibly sick; police responded and got advice from the animal control officer. No further action was needed.

On Dec. 2 police monitored weather situations, Island-wide, including a fallen tree and a tree limb on Ram Island and in West Neck as well as other downed limbs and flooded roads.

In other reports during the week, police opened a residence with the keys locked inside; responded to three lost and found reports; assisted a home-bound resident; jump-started a vehicle; and logged in two disabled vehicle reports.

Alarms
Residential alarms were set off in South Ferry and the Center on Nov. 25. There were problems with the alarm in one case, and the homeowner had forgotten the pass code in the second.

A burglary alarm at a Hay Beach residence was activated by mistake on Nov. 27 by a heating and cooling employee. That day, the Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD) responded to a carbon monoxide alarm in Hilo, set off by a faulty sensor.

The SIFD was on call on Nov. 28 for a fire alarm at a Shorewood residence, caused by logs burning too far forward in the fireplace, resulting in a lot of smoke.

A caretaker did a walk-through with a police officer at a Menantic residence after a burglary alarm was sounded on Nov. 29. No items were reported missing. Also on the 29th, a panic alarm was set off in Silver Beach; the owner said there was an apparent sensor malfunction.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported four cases to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Nov. 26, 28 and Dec. 1. A fifth aided patient declined medical attention.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

ACCIDENTS
Jonathan P. Wilutis of Shelter Island was driving northbound on West Neck Road on Dec. 8 when a deer ran onto the roadway, causing over $1,000 in damage to the driver’s-side front of his vehicle.

The next day, Robert Brusilow of Shelter Island was headed southbound on North Ferry Road when his vehicle hit a deer crossing the road. There was no damage and no injuries. The deer was gone when police arrived.

A third accident was caused on Dec. 3 when Caitlin N. Binder of Shelter Island lost control of her vehicle, due to slippery conditions. The vehicle slid off South Ferry Road into a ditch. The vehicle had to be towed; there was minor damage to the front bumper.

SUMMONSES
During the week police conducted 15 traffic stops and radar and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, South Ferry, the Heights, West Neck and Cartwright. Officers issued two tickets and eight warnings to motorists.

Carolina D. Oakley of Providence, R.I. was driving on New York Avenue on Dec. 7 when she was ticketed by police for speeding — 40 miles per hour in a 25-mph zone.

Aaron F. Matusow of Brooklyn was ticketed on South Ferry Road on Dec. 8 for driving with inadequate or no brake lights.

OTHER REPORTS
An officer responded to a tenant dispute on Dec. 3.

Hazardous road conditions, caused by snow, were reported to the Shelter Island Highway Department.

During the week, police responded to reports of four dead deer in South Ferry, Silver Beach and the Center.

On Dec. 4 a caller inquired about the possible eviction of a Silver Beach resident. Police advised the person that the eviction process is conducted by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s office and could take several months.

On that day, an open bilco door at a West Neck residence was called in. An officer also found an unlocked side door; there was no sign of criminal activity in the basement or inside the house.

A complainant referred police to a previous altercation on Dec. 4 for information only. The caller did not want any police action taken.

An officer on patrol on Dec. 4 noticed an open storm door in the Center; the door was secured. Also on patrol the same day, police were alerted to a residential alarm in the Center. All the doors and windows were secure.

On Dec. 5, a caller reported finding the front door wide open. Police searched the residence of any sign of criminal activity and found none. The owner thought maybe construction workers, who had access, may have forgotten to lock the door

Police searched a Westmoreland home on Dec. 6 when the resident reported that property may have been taken; there was no sign of any criminal activity.

Police received a report on Dec. 6 from a Cartwright caller about a tailgating SUV; the area was patrolled with negative results.

An anonymous caller reported hearing gunshots in the Westmoreland area on Dec. 7.

Police located a person hunting ducks, with legal permits.

Also on the 7th, an anonymous caller reported a dog at large in Hilo; an officer returned the dog to its owner.

The next day, police responded when a motion alarm was set off at a Silver Beach home; the caretaker was contacted to reset the alarm.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported three persons to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Dec. 4, 8 and 9.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Accidents
Walter M. Richards of Shelter Island was driving on Manwaring Road, in front of the EMS building on Dec. 11, when a deer ran into his vehicle. Damage to the windshield was less than $1,000; there were no injuries.

On Dec. 12, Jason T. Green of Shelter Island was driving south on Midway Road when his vehicle hit a deer that had run in front of the vehicle. There was over $1,000 in damage.

An officer driving a police vehicle in Westmoreland on Dec. 13 hit a deer. There was no damage to the vehicle; the deer had to be put down.

Summonses
Lisa M. Milat of Shelter Island was stopped on South Ferry Road and given a ticket for driving an unregistered vehicle.

During the week, from Dec. 12 through 16, police conducted seven traffic stops and distracted driving and radar enforcement in the Center, South Ferry and the Heights resulting in one ticket and three warnings.

Other reports
On Dec. 10, the Police Department responded to a Drug Enforcement Administration report of an anonymous tip involving Shelter Island.

On the 11th, a complainant reported signs of hunters on his property, which had been posted with no trespassing signs. The hunters had gone, but the resident heard gunshots and saw tire tracks. He was advised to notify police as soon as he believed there were trespassers on his property.

An officer was dispatched on Dec. 11 to investigate a 911 hang-up call; he searched the property and dwelling with negative results. The owner was contacted and said no one was home at that time.

Two hazardous condition calls were received on Dec. 11 and 12. One caller reported black ice in the West Neck area; the Highway Department was notified. A low-hanging wire in the Center was called in; an officer set out traffic cones and notified PSEG.

On Dec. 12, police interviewed a person who had reported a possible document scam.
In the fourth deer incident of the week, a caller told police on Dec. 12 that loud, crashing sounds were coming from a downstairs Center business. Officers found a deer trapped inside the business suite, breaking objects while trying to get out. The deer was corralled to a back entrance and set free. Police determined that the deer had entered the store by jumping through a back window.

A Heights caller reported on Dec. 14 that someone may have moved items in his residence. He had no further details and was calling only for information purposes.

An officer on patrol on Dec. 14 noticed flooding in several Island locations; traffic cones were set up in five of them.

The same day, a person called in from his boat to report that someone was cutting down a tree in Westmoreland. Police responded but found no evidence.

While on patrol on the 15th, police noticed a small flame from the remnants of a bonfire, as well as several beer containers littered on the ground. The fire was put out.

The same day, a Center resident reported a power outage affecting a motion detector on the property. PSEG was aware of the problem, which took place briefly, from Manwaring Road to Bridge Street.

Police notified Verizon after receiving an anonymous report of low-hanging wires in the Heights.

Also on the 15th, a caller reported being harassed on social media.

Police responded to two separate calls regarding concerns about the welfare of the callers’ respective spouses on Dec. 16.

Alarms
On Dec. 14, an officer on patrol heard an audible alarm at a residence in the Heights; it was located in a box at the main entrance gate. A caretaker was aware of the problem and had requested a repair from the alarm company.

A residential alarm was set off in a garage in Silver Beach on Dec. 15. It was a false alarm; the caretaker was on the scene.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported three patients to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Dec. 10, 12 and 13.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

The Shelter Island Police Department arrested Taylor Tybaert, 18, of Shelter Island just before midnight on Saturday, Dec. 21. He was charged, according to police reports, with criminal contempt in the second degree and endangering the welfare of  a child.

The police reported that, subsequent to an investigation into a violation of an active order of protection, Mr. Tybaert was arrested at a residence on Manhanset Road.

He was held overnight and arraigned at the Shelter Island Justice Court, according to the police, where he was released without bail and ordered to return to court at a later date.

The post Islander arrested appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

MARTIN BURKE PHOTO Shelter Island Police headquarters.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Arrest
Taylor Tybaert, 18, of Shelter Island was arrested shortly before midnight on December 21 at a location on Manhanset Road. Following a police investigation into a violation of an active order of protection, Mr. Tybaert was charged with criminal contempt in the 2nd degree and with endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court, held overnight, and released, on his own recognizance, without bail.

Summonses
Hermann E. Voncarp of Shelter Island was driving on North Ferry Road on Dec. 23 when he was stopped and given a ticket for operating an uninspected vehicle.

On Dec. 26, Elvin D. Fuentes of Cutchogue was stopped on Bowditch Road for driving with a permit but with no supervisor in the front seat.

Alexander Koszalka of West Hampton Beach was ticketed on Nostrand Parkway on Dec. 28 for operating an uninspected vehicle with a suspended/revoked registration and for aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree. His commercial plates were removed. Mr. Koszalka had been stopped the day before for driving with a suspended registration.

Between Dec. 17 and 29, police conducted 17 traffic stops and radar and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, Heights and West Neck, resulting in 10 warnings and two tickets.

Accidents
Christianne A. McGinn of East Hampton was driving north on South Ferry Road on Dec. 19 when she said the vehicle in front of her, driven by Kyle J. Conforti of Riverhead, stopped abruptly, causing her to rear-end his vehicle. Mr. Conforti said he had stopped because the vehicle in front of him was trying to turn left onto Smith Street. There was over $1,000 in damages; no injuries were reported.

On Dec. 23, Albert Aloysius Brayson of Shelter Island backed into a police car parked on Hudson Avenue. There was minor damage to the rear bumper.

Krystyna Strzelichowska of East Meadow, N.Y. was driving eastbound on Ram Island Road on Dec. 26 when she said she became distracted, reaching into her pocketbook to retrieve an item. She swerved off the roadway, hitting a telephone pole and causing over $1,000 in damage to the passenger-side of the vehicle.

On Dec. 29, Anya Light Duvivier of Columbus, Ohio was traveling eastbound on Shore Road when a deer ran onto the roadway in front of her vehicle, causing her to swerve and collide with a utility pole resulting in extensive damage to the front of the vehicle.

Other reports
Police received notification about a bad check on Dec. 17, and investigated a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on a dead end in Hay Beach. An officer spoke with a construction worker on the site; there was no problem.

Also on the 17th, police advised two parties involved in an on-going property dispute in Westmoreland to contact their respective attorneys.

Dogs at large were reported on Dec. 18 in Hilo and Dec. 21 in Silver Beach. Both areas were patrolled with negative results.

A caller found a lost dog in Cartwright on Dec. 28; an officer returned it to its owner.

A caller reported on Dec. 19 that an arrow was found sticking straight up from the ground on a Center property. Police determined that it was probably left as a marker to track a blood trail.

Police followed up on a call on Dec. 19 about a boat grounded in Hilo due to a low tide; the owner was notified.

On the 20th, an officer responded to a call about a low-hanging wire in the Heights that was obstructing traffic; it was an old cable wire and the officer removed it.

The same day, a disabled vehicle was called in and was being towed in Silver Beach after lug nuts became loose, causing the right front tire to fall off.

An officer on patrol on the 20th noticed a vehicle parked in the middle of a Center traffic circle; the vehicle had struck an embankment, causing minor damage to the front bumper.

Police opened a confidential investigation on Dec. 21.

Also on the 21st, a dead deer was removed from a roadway in Cartwright and an injured deer in the same area was put down by police.

A caller reported for information purposes on Dec. 22 that a space heater, boxes and miscellaneous items had been moved around in her room in Westmoreland.

Police notified the three Island Highway Departments about icy road conditions on Dec. 23.

A Menantic resident called 911 shortly after midnight on Christmas Eve when an unknown man knocked on her front door. She refused to answer and the person left. Police canvassed the area with no results and advised the caller to keep the residence locked and to let police know immediately if the person returned.

A caller notified police about hearing gun shots in the Center on Dec. 24. Police investigated and said the shots could have come from duck hunters in the area of Second Bridge.

Also on the 24th, an anonymous caller reported an open door at a home in the Heights. An officer searched the interior and found no sign of any criminal activity. The home was vacant; police secured the door.

A caller reported on Dec. 27 that two statues had been taken from an outdoor nativity scene in the Center.

A sick fox was reported in Shorewood on the 27th but was gone when police arrived.

On Dec. 28, a caller reported that people skeet shooting on Ram Island’s First Causeway were doing so close to a boat, which police determined was approximately 1,000 feet from the shore.

Alarms
A burglary alarm was set off in the Center on Dec. 19. Police found the front door unlocked but there was no sign of any criminal activity. A residential alarm at a Cartwright home was activated on that date; police found the windows and doors were all secure.

On Dec. 21, a carbon monoxide alarm in the Heights brought out the Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD), which found a high level of carbon monoxide coming from a boiler. The boiler was turned off and the SIFD cleared out the residence with fans while the occupants waited outside.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services teams transported six people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Dec. 17, 18, 22 and 25. One case was taken to Southampton Hospital on Dec. 29 and an eighth case required no transport.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Thomas P. Ritzler, 48, was arrested  on Monday at 5:45 p.m. by Shelter Island Police officers and charged with two counts of second-degree assault, three counts of second-degree strangulation, and one count of criminal mischief.

Police said Mr. Ritzler’s arrest was the result of a reported domestic dispute and “conduct over several months prior to the arrest.”

Mr. Ritzler, police said, was processed at police headquarters, arraigned at Shelter Island Justice Court, and released  on $10,000 cash bail. He was directed to return at a later date.

An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

The post Islander arrested for assault appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Following an investigation into a reported domestic dispute and a history of problems over several months, police arrested Thomas P. Ritzler, 48, of Shelter Island on Nov. 18 on the following felony charges: two counts of assault in the 2nd degree and three counts of strangulation in the 2nd degree. Mr. Ritzler was also charged with one count of criminal mischief – a misdemeanor.

He was processed and then arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court where he was released on $10,000 cash bail and instructed to return to court at a later date. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

Summonses
Diego R. Tarqui of East Hampton was given a ticket on North Menantic Road on Nov. 12 for driving with no/inadequate lights.

On the 13th, Robert A. Merrill of Rensselaer, N.Y. received a summons on North Cartwright road for speeding – 45 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone.
Police conducted 17 traffic stops and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, Menantic, South Ferry, Cartwright, the Heights and West Neck every day between Nov. 12 and 18, resulting in two tickets and nine warnings to motorists.

Other reports
A motion alarm at a home in the Heights was set off accidentally by the caretaker on Nov. 12. That day, police investigated a possible gift card scam in West Neck.

A person visited police headquarters on Nov. 13 to complain about a tenant dispute and was advised to contact police again if the hostilities escalated.

Also on the 13th, a possible violation of an order of protection was reported.

On Nov. 14, police assisted the East Hampton Town police with the transport off-Island of an arrested person.

Police received a report on Nov. 14 about an unauthorized person hunting in Dering Harbor. An officer located the hunter who was permitted to hunt there but had parked his vehicle in the wrong location. He moved the vehicle and resumed hunting.

An anonymous caller told police on Nov. 14 about a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign in the Center. Police searched the area but the vehicle had gone.
The same day, police responded to a report of broken water pipes at a Hay Beach home. An officer gained entrance and turned off the water; there was no damage.

During the week, officers completed two training sessions off-Island: An “intoxilyzer” recertification class in Yaphank and a fourth-quarter rifle qualification.

On Nov. 15, a Center caller reported that a neighbor’s tree had fallen on her property. Also on that day, a caller requested that the police document, for information purposes, respond to an on-going complaint with a Menantic neighbor. Police also followed up on a report about a missing trailer.

A Cartwright caller told police on Nov. 16 that an unknown vehicle had pulled into the driveway at night. The lights were turned off but it did not appear that anyone had left the vehicle. An extra patrol of the area was requested. The incident was caught on video surveillance and it will be reviewed by the responding officer.

During the week police opened an investigation into a Suffolk County Crime Stoppers tip-line request. Officers checked on the well-being of two individuals, followed up on found property and unlocked two vehicles with the keys inside.

Alarms
Police responded to a burglary alarm in Hay Beach on Nov. 13 and found the building was secure. The next day, the Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD) investigated a carbon monoxide alarm. Although there was an odor of possibly burning wires, the source was not located and it was declared a false alarm.

Also on the 14th, a neighbor reported hearing an alarm at a Menantic residence. Police found the faulty alarm in a dumpster on the property.

A Center caller on the 17th told police that the CO alarm was “chirping,” but the SIFD found no trace of carbon monoxide and stated that the sensor mechanism had expired.

Also on the 17th, an alarm company informed police that Ram Island homeowners were attempting to change batteries in the smoke detector when it was set off. This was confirmed by the SIFD.

Animal reports
Injured deer in Cartwright and the Center were put down by police on Nov. 12 and 18.

Dogs at large were reported in a Center playground and in Silver Beach on Nov. 15. Police searched the areas with negative results.

A caller reported finding a small dog in Silver Beach on Nov. 12; police returned it to the owner. A caller told police about barking dogs in Hay Beach on Nov. 14 and was concerned about their access to shelter. The dogs were not barking when police arrived and had access to the house through a dog door.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported three people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Nov. 14 and 15. On Nov. 18, a fourth patient was taken to Klenawicus field on Nov. 18 and airlifted by helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Summonses
Theresa Denara of Shelter Island was given a ticket on Nov. 23 for a town code violation – dogs barking for more than 20 minutes in the Hay Beach area.

Accidents
Adrian Geovanny Villa-Lituma of Torrington, Conn. was on board the South Ferry on Nov. 19. He said he thought he had put his vehicle in park and had taken his foot off the brake. The vehicle lunged over the wheel chock and into the lift gate, causing more than $1,000 damage to the front end of the vehicle and minor damage to the gate.

Christian DeDalmas of Shelter Island was driving southbound on Manhasset Road on Nov. 20 when a deer jumped over the fence onto the southbound traffic. His vehicle hit the deer and the damage to the front of the vehicle was estimated at more than $1,000.

Other reports
On Nov. 19, a caller reported a suspicious vehicle in a Westmoreland driveway. Police responded and were told the car belonged to a home cleaner.

Police opened a confidential investigation on Nov. 19. That day, a caller reported, for information purposes, receiving unwanted calls, and police followed up on a reported post on social media.

Police were informed about a phone scam on Nov. 20 — a caller pretending to be an NYPD officer in an attempt to solicit personal information.

Also on the 20th, a caller notified police he would be searching for his cat on a Center business property — in the event someone thought he was trespassing and called 911. He was advised to let the animal control officer know if the cat was not found.

An injured deer was reported in the Center on Nov. 21 but was gone when police arrived. A second deer was stuck in a fence in the Center on Nov. 23. An officer freed the deer but its hind legs were severely injured; the deer had to be put down. An anonymous caller told police on Nov. 22 that a pickup truck had hit a wild turkey and killed it. Police searched the area for both the truck and the turkey with negative results.

On Nov. 22, a complainant told police that a false report had been made to Child Protective Services.
Police on patrol on Nov. 23 noticed what appeared to be debris behind a Heights building. That day, an officer followed up on a possible violation of an order of protection.

A Menantic resident complained to police about a dispute with a contractor on Nov. 24.

Also on the 24th, a Center resident reported on the possible compromise of the caller’s social media accounts. Police were told there were sparking wires along a flag lot driveway in the Center. An officer found that the power line was bare but there were no sparks. PSEG was notified.

Between Nov. 20 and 24, police conducted 10 traffic stops and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, resulting in four warnings to motorists.

During the short week, officers had lunch with pre-K students; participated in a rifle qualification training program in West Hampton; shut off a water supply valve to stop an outdoor shower leak; responded to two lost and found reports; jump-started a vehicle; and opened a second one with the keys locked inside.

Alarms
There were six alarms during the week. On Nov. 21, a fire alarm was accidentally set off in Hay Beach by a plumber soldering pipes. The next day, a residential alarm in Silver Beach was activated; the caretaker said he had a problem with the front door sensor while setting the alarm.

The same day, a toddler hit the emergency button in the library elevator, and a residential alarm on Ram Island was set off; the caretaker forgot to disable the alarm when letting someone into the residence. Also on Nov. 22, a residential alarm at a South Ferry home was activated; police found the windows and door secure.

On Nov. 23, a commercial alarm went off at the South Ferry Company by an employee who was not aware that the alarm had been set.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported five people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Nov, 19, 21 and 23.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Summonses
Amelia V. Banaag of the Bronx was stopped by police on South Ferry Road on Nov. 26 and ticketed for failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. She was also given a summons for driving while using a cellphone without a hands-free device.

The next day, Adam R. Janiel of Selden was stopped on Locust Avenue for driving a vehicle with a non-transparent front windshield.

Police conducted 17 traffic and radar stops, distracted driving and DWI enforcement during the week, Nov. 26 to 28 and Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and 2, resulting in three tickets and nine warnings.

Other reports
A caller alerted police on Nov. 26 that someone might be drinking in a parked truck in the Center. Police located the vehicle in question and found a person resolving an issue over the phone.

On that day, police were told that a person had been sitting in a vehicle parked at a dead end in Montclair for a prolonged period of time. According to the police report, the person was finishing up some paperwork.

A Center caller was concerned on Nov. 26 when someone knocked on the front door and then left. An officer canvassed the area with negative results.

Police found on Nov. 27 that a report to Child Protective Services was unfounded.

An investigation into a possible case of fraud was opened on Nov. 27.

Police received a call on the 27th that a transformer might be on fire in Hay Beach. An officer subsequently learned that the flashing lights the caller saw were part of a new system to detect lightning in the area.

On Nov. 28, police assisted Southold and Riverhead police departments in locating a missing person who was later transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for evaluation.

A complaint was received on Nov. 29 about a parked vehicle blocking access to additional parking for a Mashomack Preserve event. Police left a message for the owner to move the vehicle.

Police responded to a verbal altercation in the Center on Nov. 29.

Loud music was reported in West Neck on Nov. 30. The residence’s owners said the band playing on the porch would be finished at 1 a.m. Police responded to another call at about 1:15 a.m. and the owners had the band stop when police arrived for a second time.

Also on the 30th, a Heights caller complained about damage caused by a vehicle being driven on grass. Officers saw no damage, but advised the caller to fence off the area or post a sign that driving on the turf was not allowed.

A young person was reported riding a go cart in the Shorewood area late in the afternoon on Nov. 30. The caller was concerned about the safety of the rider and other vehicles. The area was searched with negative results.

On Dec. 1, a caller reported seeing a groundhog that was possibly sick; police responded and got advice from the animal control officer. No further action was needed.

On Dec. 2 police monitored weather situations, Island-wide, including a fallen tree and a tree limb on Ram Island and in West Neck as well as other downed limbs and flooded roads.

In other reports during the week, police opened a residence with the keys locked inside; responded to three lost and found reports; assisted a home-bound resident; jump-started a vehicle; and logged in two disabled vehicle reports.

Alarms
Residential alarms were set off in South Ferry and the Center on Nov. 25. There were problems with the alarm in one case, and the homeowner had forgotten the pass code in the second.

A burglary alarm at a Hay Beach residence was activated by mistake on Nov. 27 by a heating and cooling employee. That day, the Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD) responded to a carbon monoxide alarm in Hilo, set off by a faulty sensor.

The SIFD was on call on Nov. 28 for a fire alarm at a Shorewood residence, caused by logs burning too far forward in the fireplace, resulting in a lot of smoke.

A caretaker did a walk-through with a police officer at a Menantic residence after a burglary alarm was sounded on Nov. 29. No items were reported missing. Also on the 29th, a panic alarm was set off in Silver Beach; the owner said there was an apparent sensor malfunction.

Aided cases
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported four cases to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Nov. 26, 28 and Dec. 1. A fifth aided patient declined medical attention.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

SUMMONSES

Annamarie G. Ruscica of Shelter Island was stopped by police on Smith Street on Jan. 1 and given a ticket for driving with no/inadequate brake lights. On Jan. 4, Michael T. Reale of Shelter Island was driving on North Ferry Road when he was also given a summons for having inadequate brake lights.

During the week, police conducted eight traffic stops and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, West Neck and Menantic – resulting in three warnings and two tickets.

ALARMS

Four residential alarms were set off during the week — in Silver Beach on Dec. 30, the Center on Dec. 30, Shorewood on Jan. 3 and Ram Island on Jan. 5. The doors and windows were secure in the first case and the owner was advised to contact the alarm company to check the system. There were negative results of the officer’s search of the second home. The owner told the officer by phone that he has cameras in the residence and wind may have blown open a door and activated the motion alarm. The third residence’s caretaker was contacted after police confirmed it was a false alarm. A person checking on a residence for the caretaker set off the motion alarm at a Ram Island home.

The Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD) responded to three fire alarms — one on Dec. 30 at the Shelter Island House, set off by an employee spraying the building. A system malfunction, measuring boiler heat, set off a fire alarm on Ram Island on Jan. 3, and on Jan. 4 an owner activated the smoke alarm while changing the battery.

While it didn’t set off an alarm, the SIFD responded to a call on Jan. 5 about an oven fire at a home in West Neck. A candle was being melted down in the oven when it started smoking and then ignited. The SIFD extinguished the fire.

ANIMAL INCIDENTS

A dog found in the Heights was brought to Police Department headquarters on Dec. 29. Police recognized the dog and returned it to the owner. The next day, an animal control officer, returning dogs to a home in Cartwright, noticed an open door with no one home. The owner returned, just as police arrived, and explained that the cat opens the sliding door, which lets the dogs out.

Two raccoons in Silver Beach were in the blotter on Dec. 31. The animal control officer notified police about a sick raccoon who might need to be put down. The raccoon ran off when police arrived. Another sick raccoon was captured by an officer and transported to a vet for euthanasia.

Two dogs at large were reported in Silver Beach on Dec. 31, but were gone when police arrived and later located at the owner’s home.

OTHER REPORTS

A caller reported a fallen branch on a Center roadway on Dec. 31, blocking westbound traffic. Police responded and notified the Highway Department.

On Jan. 1, a caller reported that a suspicious vehicle was parked outside a Center residence for about 20 minutes and then took off when the caller approached. Police located the vehicle and interviewed the driver and passenger who explained they had stopped to make a phone call.

A caller told police on Jan. 2 that a number of young people had been walking in the middle of several Center roadways, refusing to move for traffic. The caller wanted police to speak to them if they were seen doing that again.

On Jan. 2, a resident reported seeing, by camera, an unknown person on his property. The owner was not home and said no one had permission to be there. An officer responded, found a worker repairing a marine dock and advised the caller.

An officer responded to a report on Jan. 3 of a possibly unwanted person climbing into a window at a Cartwright residence. When confronted, the person ran into the woods. A tenant and owner were interviewed by an officer; there were no problems, and no further action was required.

On Jan. 5, police opened a confidential investigation into a case involving stolen property.

Also on the 5th, a Shorewood complainant stopped an officer to document an incident, for information purposes, involving a hunter on the property.

In other cases, police were notified about a tree falling on a neighbor’s property, handled two lost and found cases, responded to a 911 problem and answered a medical alert.

AIDED CASES

A Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services team transported one person to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Jan. 4.

The post Shelter Island Police Department blotter: 7 summonses issued appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

The Shelter Island Police Department arrested an Islander Saturday night, who was a fugitive from justice from the state of Washington.

Katrina Williams, 30, was taken into custody on Saturday at about 9:15 p.m., according to police reports.

She was arraigned before Shelter Island Justice court and charged with “Escape, Escape from Community Custody/Failure to report as a result of a felony conviction.”

She was ordered by the court to be remanded to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility where she will await extradition proceedings.

The post Police: Island woman, wanted in Washington, charged as fugitive appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

After new legislation recently eliminated cash bail for mostly nonviolent crimes in New York, lawmakers and top law enforcement officials are calling for its repeal.

Under the new law, those arrested for misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies are given a desk appearance ticket rather than face a judge for an arraignment, where bail is traditionally set.

According to Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, 301 inmates were released in Suffolk County in the month leading up to the enactment of the new law. Those individuals would typically have been held on bail or bond, depending on their criminal history and the severity of the offense.

Mr. Toulon, a Democrat, issued a statement last week calling for amendment or repeal of the law. “There are clearly serious issues with this state law,” he said, using as examples four inmates released from county jail facilities who have a history of recidivism. 

The released inmates, the sheriff said, include 23-year-old Lonnie Pernell of Centerport, who was reportedly “in and out” of the Yaphank Correctional Facility five times in November and December for first-degree criminal contempt. Despite re-offending several times, Mr. Pernell was released on his own recognizance under the statutes of the new law. Dwayne Ross, 46, of Shirley posted bond in early December for second-degree strangulation and was arrested again two weeks later on a criminal contempt charge, the sheriff’s office said.

Mr. Toulon also pointed out that the new law permits the courts to accept partially secured bail bonds through the court system instead of securing the funds through a bail bondsman.

Fidel Portillo, 39, of El Salvador had been held on $200,000 bail and $400,000 bond since July 2019 for first-degree rape and first-degree sexual conduct with a child but was released Dec. 30 after posting 10% of his bond and surrendering his passport, according to Sheriff Toulon. Mr. Portillo is due back in court Jan. 14. 

Dwayne Robinson, 33, of Amityville, described by Mr. Toulon as an alleged Bloods gang member, was also released after posting $5,000 bond for a second-degree assault charge.

In each of these cases, Sheriff Toulon said that, in the past, judges could have used this information as a guideline to set bail or remand the defendant to be held without bail. “Judges must have discretion to determine bail based on a criminal defendant’s likelihood to re-offend and cause further pain to his or her victims and the public at large,” the sheriff said.

The sheriff also took issue with some of the crimes that are considered “nonviolent” under the new law. They include third-degree assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, arson, criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds and criminal possession of a firearm and promoting or possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child.

Mr. Toulon noted that the new bail reform laws keep many defendants from using services available to the incarcerated, from human trafficking help for victims to addiction programs, therapy and education. 

Back in Albany for the start of the 2020 legislative session, Assemblyman Fred Thiele Jr.(I-Sag Harbor), who was a sponsor of the bill, said, “While there is certainly merit in creating a more equitable criminal justice system, I believe it is important that judges have discretion in determining whether bail, bond or pre-trial detention is needed for serious criminal offenses.”

Shelter Justice Court Clerk Nancy Kotula said the court has had to return some bail to defendants but there’s no one in custody on the Island affected by the new bail law.

Police Chief Jim Read described the new law as “too broad in scope,” adding that while some changes were warranted, the new law takes away the discretion of judges.

It could have been done in steps rather than to cover so many offenses, the chief said.

He noted that while it hasn’t been the case on Shelter Island, there are places where people released without bail committed other crimes within 24 hours of their release.

Proponents of the new law say that the traditional bail system has morphed into a way to keep poorer Americans and people of color incarcerated, even if they are ultimately found to be innocent in court.

Judges may still use cash bail and detain those who commit violent felonies including sexual misconduct offenses and domestic incidents. In some instances, judges can opt for non-monetary ways to ensure court appearance, such as electronic monitoring or the supervision of a pretrial services agency.

The post Experts: The new bail law must be repealed appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

ARREST

Katrina Williams, 30, of Shelter Island was arrested on the evening of Jan. 10 as a “fugitive from justice.” She was wanted by the State of Washington for escaping from community custody in that state, where she was convicted of committing a residential burglary — a felony charge. Ms. Williams was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court and remanded to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility, where she will await extradition proceedings at a later date.

Summonses

Nison C. Gonzalez-Perez of Riverhead was driving on West Neck Road on Jan. 7 when he was given a summons for failure to stop at a stop sign. He was also ticketed for unlicensed operation.

Jose L. Cosios Guevara of Tacoma, Wash. was ticketed on North Ferry Road on Jan. 10 for driving with unapproved headlights.

On Jan. 13, Katherine V. Franzoni of Shelter Island was stopped on North Ferry Road and given a summons for driving an uninspected vehicle.

On the same day, Joshua Y. Horton of Greenport received four tickets on North Ferry Road for failure to keep right, aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree, driving an unregistered vehicle and using another person’s license.

Police conducted 10 traffic stops and radar and distracted driving enforcement in the Center and Heights on Jan. 6, 7, 9, 10 and 13, resulting in one warning and six tickets.

Accidents

Joanne Calabro of Shelter Island had parked her car in the Chase Bank parking lot on Jan. 6 and was in the bank when a vehicle collided with her vehicle while apparently reversing out of a parking spot. There was over $1,000 in damage to the rear of Ms. Calabro’s vehicle. The other vehicle left the scene of the accident.

On Jan. 10, Katie J. Potter of Shelter Island was backing out of a driveway on West Neck Road when she hit a vehicle driven by Douglas A. Velazquez of Greenport. There was more than $1,000 damage to the back end of Ms. Potter’s vehicle and minor damage to the back, right side of Mr. Velasquez’ landscaping truck.

Vincent F. Reich of Shelter Island was traveling northeast on Bowditch Road on Jan. 12 when a deer ran into the front of his vehicle, causing over $1,000 in damage to the passenger-side fender.

Other reports

On Jan. 7, a caller was checking on a home for its Center owner when he saw flooding in the basement. Both the Building Department and Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD) responded and shut off the main power breaker.

Three callers reported two possible phone scam cases and a computer scam on Jan. 8. A report of a phishing email regarding a bank deposit was received by another caller, who was advised to erase the message immediately and contact the bank.

A person called 911 on Jan. 8 to report hearing gunshots on or near her Center property and was concerned about her horses. An officer responded and canvassed the area. Those interviewed said hunters were pursuing deer in the area and had walked across the property. Police noticed a tree stand but no house within 500 feet. The state Department of Environmental Conservation will follow up.

A Hay Beach caller reported that several items had been removed from the edge of her property between Dec. 18 and Jan. 4; she requested an extra patrol.

On Jan. 8, a caller reported a possible drug activity to police but requested confidentiality.

A caller told police on Jan. 9 about being involved in an incident while shopping; the problem was subsequently resolved.

A damaged utility pole was reported in West Neck on Jan. 11. PSEG had been notified.

Police received a report on Jan. 11 that a person was illegally clamming at Second Bridge. Police questioned the suspect who said he was unaware the creek was closed for clamming; he was given a verbal warning.

Also on the 11th, police received a call about a possible chimney fire in Shorewood, caused by the lighting of a Duraflame log. The owner extinguished the flame.

Police and the Shelter Island Highway Department responded to a report on Jan. 12 about a downed tree blocking a roadway on Ram Island. The next day, an officer on patrol also noticed a tree blocking eastbound traffic on Ram Island. In a third incident on that day, a large tree limb was reported partially blocking a Ram Island roadway.

In other cases, officers conducted D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) classes for 5th and 7th graders, assisted two residents in their homes, opened a vehicle with the keys locked inside and responded to a lost and found report.

Alarms

A fire alarm was set off at a Dering Harbor residence on Jan. 9 when the smoke detector was accidentally hit by sheetrock during construction.

Police responded to a burglary alarm at a Hay Beach property on Jan. 11 and found no sign of any criminal activity.

The SIFD responded to a carbon monoxide alarm in Hay Beach on Jan. 12. It was a false alarm, caused by a system malfunction. 

The next day, the owner of South Ferry received a notice regarding an intrusion alert for the property. An employee had activated the alarm.

It didn’t set off an alarm, but the SIFD responded to a Menantic caller who reported smoke in the basement on Jan. 10. The SIFD found an exhaust pipe vent that was stuck open, causing the air handler to suck up smoke and send it throughout the residence. The vent was corrected and fans cleared out the smoke.

Aided cases

A Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service team transported one person to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Jan. 9.

The post Shelter Island Blotter: One arrest, 8 tickets this week appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Tiearza Lawrence, 24, was arrested early Saturday morning by Shelter Island Police and charged with harassment in the 2^nd degree following a domestic disturbance, according to police reports.

She was held at police headquarters and arraigned at Shelter Island Justice Court.

Ms. Lawrence was released on her own recognizance and ordered to return to Justice Court at a later date.

The post Police: Woman charged with harassment following disturbance appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

ARREST

Tiearza J. Lawrence, 24, of Shelter Island was arrested on Jan. 18 at 1:15 a.m. for harassment in the second degree — a violation charge — following a domestic disturbance. She was held overnight for arraignment in Shelter Island Justice Court and released on her own recognizance with no bail. Ms. Lawrence was instructed to appear in court at a later date.

SUMMONSES

Shelter Island police conducted traffic stops and radar and distracted driving enforcement in the Center, West Neck, Cartwright, the Heights and Menantic on Jan. 14 through 18 and on Jan. 20, resulting in 12 tickets and 15 warnings.

Kim F. Porter of Sag Harbor was given a summons on Jan. 15 while driving on East Thomas Avenue for failure to keep to the right. 

Also on the 15th, Jonathan Munoz of East Hampton was ticketed on St. Mary’s Road for speeding — 45 miles per hour in a 35-mph zone. 

Amy D. McDougal of Levittown was given a summons on Manwaring Road for failure to stop at a stop sign on Jan. 16.

On Jan. 17, Sandra M. Gonzales Escudero of Hampton Bays and Catherine A. Reilly of Southold were stopped on South Ferry Road for driving with suspended/revoked licenses. 

On the 20th, five drivers received tickets. Katherine V. Franzoni of Shelter Island was driving on North Ferry Road and ticketed for having inadequate or no brake lights.

Zina Glazebrook of New Harbor, Maine and Andrew J. Pennaccia of Cutchogue were charged with driving while using portable electronic devices on South Ferry and North Ferry roads respectively.

George A. Grofik of Boston, Mass. was ticketed for driving an uninspected vehicle and Katherine L. Gaynor of Bellport was cited on South Ferry Road for having an insecure or dirty license plate.

Angel F. Lopez of Shelter Island was given a summons on North Ferry Road for unlicensed operation and driving with inadequate or no lights.

ACCIDENT

Bruce M. Kolodny of Shelter Island was driving southbound on St. Mary’s Road on Jan. 18 when a deer ran onto the roadway in front of his vehicle, causing over $1,000 in damage to the front end.

OTHER REPORTS

Power outages were reported in the Center, Hay Beach, Ram Island and the Heights on Jan. 16; PSEG was notified.

An open door in a vacant house was reported in the Center on the 16th. There was no sign of any criminal activity and high winds were suspected. The Highway Department was notified about a downed tree in the Center on that day.

Responding to a call on the 17th, police searched the area for a vehicle failing to stay in lane with negative results. Police also responded to a caller who said someone had gone through her belongings while she was absent from a residence in South Ferry Hills. Although nothing was missing, the caller wanted it documented for information purposes.

Police were told on the 18th that two dirt bikes were creating a disturbance on a Menantic easement. The riders were advised to stay off the easement in the future.

A caller reported a verbal argument regarding a landlord/tenant dispute on Jan. 18. That day, the Island’s highway departments were notified about snowy road conditions.

A Center caller told police on Jan. 18 about a male who walked past the residence with a flashlight and then took off. An officer located the person who said he was taking a shortcut through an easement.

ANIMAL INCIDENTS

A Center owner reported on Jan. 14 that his dog had gotten away from him; it had returned home before the police arrived. On the 17th, an officer on patrol found a dog at large and returned it to its owner.

Also on the 17th, an officer advised an owner of a dog showing signs of distress to get medical attention for it.

On Jan. 18, police received a report of a possibly beached seal off West Neck. The Marine Research Center was contacted and determined it was an adult grey seal in good condition. The seal returned to the water on its own.

Two injured foxes were reported on Ram Island and in the Center on Jan. 19. Both were gone when police arrived.

ALARMS

Two residential alarms were set off at garages in homes in West Neck and Shorewood on Jan. 15 and 18 respectively. One was set off by construction, the second when an employee entered the wrong code.

AIDED CASES

Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams responded to two persons on Jan. 14 and 16. One case was transported to Southampton Hospital; the other did not require transport.

The post Shelter Island Police Blotter: A dozen tickets issued this week appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Shelter Island Police Officer Kevin Springer, a 10-year member of the department, was named Shelter Island’s “Officer of the Year” Friday for his work that led to the arrest of four men wanted in an armed home invasion.

The award was given to Officer Springer by Sgt. Terrence LeGrady at Friday’s Annual Police Awards Ceremony, which is presented by the Southampton Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanis started the awards 50 years ago, initially honoring Southampton officers, but the ceremony has expanded over the years to include all East End departments.

Officer Springer was given the award in part due to his actions on Dec. 15, 2018, according to Sgt. LeGrady.

“Officer Springer responded to a call of an armed home invasion,” Sgt. LeGrady said. “Upon his arrival, the suspects had already fled the scene and Officer Springer immediately began calming and interviewing the victim. The victim reported there were multiple suspects wearing ski masks and dressed all in black, and armed with guns, knives and a crowbar. They broke in to her residence and demanded money while putting a gun to her head and chest.”

After calling for additional officers and notifying dispatch with a description of the suspects, Officer Springer noticed a cell phone lying on the floor near where the crime took place. The phone didn’t belong to the victim or her son, so Officer Springer determined it must have belonged to one of the suspects, since they had taken the victim’s phone, according to Sgt. LeGrady.

Police were able to track the suspects by using the “find my phone” app on the victim’s account. Officer Springer realized he had been to this residence on a prior call of a specific person asking for money. The officer had written down the plate number for an unknown car parked in the driveway at that time, Sgt. LeGrady said.

That same vehicle, with the same plate number, was later stopped at a location in Yonkers and local police were notified.

Three of the suspects were arrested without incident, and a fourth was taken into custody in early 2019, Sgt. LeGrady said.

Officer Springer also was involved in two other cases that were mentioned Friday.

In one, the women was in the shower when her ex-boyfriend came into her home without permission and proceeded to sexually abuse, assault and strangle her, before fleeing the area.

Officer Springer arrived and searched the area, along with a police dog and other officers, for two hours before locating and arresting the suspect, who had a lengthy criminal history.

The other incident took place on Thanksgiving night when police got a call from another agency about an elderly, suicidal woman whose phone was pinging in the vicinity of Shelter Island Sound, Sgt. LeGrady said.

Officer Springer searched the beach in heavy winds and low temperatures before finding the woman in a vacant storage unit.

The woman looked confused and freezing and attempted to cover herself with newspapers, Sgt. LeGrady said.

She was then transported to a hospital.

“Her life was in jeopardy,” he said. “Officer Springer, like he does so often, went above and beyond to locate these individuals I’ve mentioned.” 

The post P.O. Kevin Springer named Shelter Island Officer of the Year appeared first on Shelter Island Reporter.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

SUMMONSES

Dion P. Lynch of Mattituck was driving on North Ferry Road on Jan. 23 when he was stopped by police and ticketed for an uninspected vehicle.

On. Jan. 27, Stephen C. Clarke of New York City was given a summons on North Menantic Road for failure to stop at a stop sign. 

Police conducted traffic stops and distracted driving enforcement on Jan. 21, 23 and Jan. 25 through 27 in the Center, Menantic and the Heights, resulting in two tickets and five warnings. 

ACCIDENTS

Evan A. Kraus was driving westbound on South Midway Road on Jan. 21 when he hit a deer in the roadway. There was no damage to the vehicle and the Highway Department was notified to remove the deer.

OTHER REPORTS

A Center caller reported several mattresses in the wooded area behind a residence on Jan. 21. Also on that date, a Westmoreland caller reported that on several dates an unwelcome visitor had entered her rental; the caller did not want to press charges.

An officer on patrol on Jan. 22 noticed an open door; the premises were searched with no sign of any criminal activity.

Police received a complaint on Jan. 22 about young people riding bicycles on a roadway and impeding traffic.

A caller told police on Jan. 22 that a person had fallen at the North Ferry and hit his head. An Emergency Service Team responded but medical assistance was refused. On the same date, police responded to a report about a verbal dispute in Menantic about the use of an easement.

A complainant told police about a “loud grinding noise” in a wooded area in HiLo on Jan. 23. The noise had stopped when police arrived but the officer advised the caller that the town code does not prohibit the use of land-clearing equipment during reasonable hours.

An officer on patrol on Jan. 23 observed a disabled truck in the westbound lane of Chase Avenue, facing eastbound. The driver returned to the scene and a tow was arranged for removal of the truck.

A caller reported on Jan. 23 that her security camera had shown a person walking around her property without her permission to be there.

Police responded to a landlord/tenant dispute on Jan. 24 and advised the complainant to contact a lawyer to start the eviction process.

A caller told police on Jan. 24 that people with flashlights were on a neighbor’s property. An officer interviewed one person who said he had been tracking a deer that he had shot and had found it at that location.

A disabled vehicle was reported blocking a roadway in the Heights on Jan. 25. Its flashers were on and the driver was located, moving another vehicle. Also on that date, a Longview caller reported a noise coming from inside her residence. An officer located a kitchen clock radio timer alarm going off.

The police department provided civil documentation on Jan. 27 regarding access to an easement.

A caller reported on Jan. 27 that there were shotgun shells and clay pigeons in the parking lot at Shell Beach. Approximately 30 shells and also clay pigeons were found and the shells discarded by police.

As the result of a call on Jan. 27, police documented trash left behind the Center Post Office. 

In other reports, officers attended intoxilyzer and D.A.R.E. training off-Island and conducted D.A.R.E. sessions for fifth and seventh graders; assisted two residents in their homes; responded to two lost and found reports; and opened two vehicles with the keys locked inside.

ANIMAL INCIDENTS

On Jan. 21 a squirrel was reported stuck in the chimney of a wood stove at a Cartwright residence. The officer and owner were able to remove the animal. 

An injured deer was reported in a Center backyard on Jan. 23. Police and an animal control officer freed the deer which was caught in a fence.

ALARMS

Three fire alarms activated during the week on Jan. 23, 24 and 27. The first, in the Center, was caused by a furnace malfunction. The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to the second at the Chequit, checked the building and found no evidence of fire, and the Fire Chief declared the third at the Perlman Music Camp was a false alarm. 

An audible alarm was set off at a Silver Beach residence on Jan. 25. The caretaker said he had previously shut off the alarm but it was probably activated by a temporary power surge.

Aided cases

A Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service team transported a person to Eastern Long Island Hospital on Jan. 26.

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Suffolk County’s opioid crisis has fueled another epidemic: human trafficking of young women, who are often led into prostitution, according to police.

In the past 27 months, the Suffolk County Police Department has charged 56 people connected to trafficking-related offenses for a total of 417 charges, 186 of which were specifically related to sex trafficking. During that time, police interviewed and attempted to help more than 220 female victims — the youngest being 12 years old. With January designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, members of the SCPD, federal, state and local officials gathered at police headquarters in Yaphank Friday morning to announce the launch of the Suffolk County Anti-Trafficking Initiative, a public awareness campaign. 

“The unit started as a pilot program in October of 2017 and we made it permanent in 2018,” said police commissioner Geraldine Hart. “[Before] the formation of the unit, there was not one sex trafficking arrest in the year prior.”

The campaign comprises two pieces, training and awareness, Ms. Hart said. Last year, Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. created a Human Trafficking Investigation Unit including one sergeant and a team of officers who visit the jail with the attempt of identifying human trafficking victims. The task force was designed to educate the public on safety, common red flags, prevention resources and victim’s needs, but also to coordinate with hospital personnel, ride-share service operators, cab drivers and others on warning signs and what to look for. The mothers of two trafficked victims joined the county and its more than 30 partners in an effort to help eliminate sex trafficking cases.

“People have a picture in their mind of a box truck filled with young people being brought to a certain area to be trafficked. That is not the reality across the nation and it is not the reality here in Suffolk County,” Ms. Hart said. “Traffickers are targeting females who are addicted to narcotics or getting them addicted to drugs and these drug cravings fuel a pathway into prostitution.”

Ms. Hart said these cases are far more common than people realize, with 95% of girls being trafficked in Suffolk County being those born and raised here. She urged members of the public to visit SCATI’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages for information, resources and a video showing warning signs of human trafficking. The video was created by the department’s audio visual unit and includes the stories of two young women, both of whom died as a result of drug involvement and trafficking incidences, though one case is still under open homicide investigation.

Lisa Principe and Maria Francavilla shared their daughter’s stories.

“We live on Long Island, we feel like we’re safe — it’s here and there are predators,” said Ms. Principe. “My daughter was manipulated. Somebody said they loved her … and inevitably, he was one of the ringleaders. She was beaten, held, drugged, you name it.”

Ms. Principe’s daughter, Jenna, was 19 when she was gang raped, which her mother later learned was initiation into the lifestyle. 

“They took her soul,” she said. Jenna, a graduate of Mepham High School in Bellmore, spent near 90% of eight years in jail for being with a dealer during a sale because, her mother said, she could not function on the outside. As soon as she was out, those involved kept their relationships with her, expressing love, sharing money and providing her with resources, never losing track of their ulterior motives.

Jenna died of an overdose five days after she was released from jail in September. She was 27. At least one of her perpetrators has since been arrested.

Ms. Francavilla’s daughter, Tori, on the other hand, was 24 when she died. Her mother said she was wrapped up in a trafficking case, but got out of it a few years before her passing.

“It got to a point where she was actually handcuffed to a bed and kept captive,” said Ms. Francavilla. “Unfortunately, her drug habits still followed her after than and I still don’t even know how she got in … These people need to be stopped.”

Suffolk County Undersheriff Kevin Catalina explained how these trafficking cases typically go.

“No young girl ever sets out to be involved in a life like this,” he said. “What happens is these predators recognize the most vulnerable and they target them. They target them through the internet, they target them at places like malls, within schools, they supply them with narcotics, whether there is a narcotics issue already or not.”

In turn, those individuals tend to demand remittance for the drugs they supplied and just like that, young girls are roped in.

“When Sheriff Toulon took office,” said Mr. Catalina, “he quickly recognized that the three biggest issues facing Suffolk County were gangs, narcotics use — specifically the opioid crisis and human trafficking. Oftentimes, those three are intertwined.”

In 2019, Suffolk County lost 10 victims to overdoses connected to sex trafficking, according to Ms. Hart. New York State Senator Monica Martinez, a former educator, said that every 30 seconds, someone becomes a victim of some type of human trafficking. The offenders do not discriminate when it comes to age or ethnic background, according to Det. Lt. Frank Messana, though the girls most trafficked in the county are in middle and high school, ranging between 13 and 17 years of age. They may be runaway youth, they may be insecure or come from rough backgrounds, or they may not. They may be targeted in schools or public spaces and they are often manipulated, coerced and forced into tortured lifestyles, Mr. Martinez said.

The video mentioned that while Suffolk County is rated as one of the safest communities to live in the country, the “enormous underground sex trafficking ring is going on in every hotel and motel in our county.” 

Crying and consoling one another, both mothers maintained their composure when sharing their daughter’s story.

“We’re going to continue to fight human trafficking for our girls,” said Ms. Principe. “For Jenna and for Tori and for every other girl out there. Nobody should ever have to go through this.”

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