REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Justice Court

The following is a list of court cases adjudicated at the October 5 session of Shelter Island Justice Court. The reports are compiled from information provided to the Reporter by the Court. Judge Helen J. Rosenblum was on the bench for this session. 

Trent J. Firestine of Sag Harbor was fined $40 plus a state surcharge of $93 for a registration violation, reduced from a charge of driving with a suspended registration.

David Howell of East Patchogue was fined $75 plus $25 for a parking violation, reduced from a charge of failure to keep to the right.

Fakhar A. Khan of College Point was fined $40 plus $93 for unlicensed operation, reduced from aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree.

Ronald A. Landaverde of Brentwood was fined $200 plus $93 for unlicensed operation.

Angel Martinez Hemandez of Rochester, Washington was fined $100 plus $25 for a parking violation, reduced from a charge of disobeying a traffic sign. A tail light violation was dismissed as covered in the plea.

Angus M. Ogilvie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was fined $50 plus $25 for a parking violation, reduced from a charge of leaving the scene of an accident.

Kathryn A. O’Hagan of Shelter Island was fined $150 plus $63 for an equipment violation, reduced from a seatbelt violation.

Anthony Owens of Shelter Island was fined $25 plus $93 for unlicensed operation, reduced from aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree. He was also fined $25 plus $93 for a registration violation, reduced from a charge of driving with a suspended registration. An insurance violation was covered in the plea.

Natalie Sticesen of Union, New Jersey was fined $50 plus $93 for a nautical registration violation.

Luis B. Suquilanda of East Hampton was fined $300 plus $93 for driving without a license. He was also fined $50 plus $93 for driving while using an electronic device.

Fifteen cases were adjourned until later dates — 12 at the request of the defendants or their attorneys, one by mutual consent and two at the request of the court.

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 In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Christian E. Johnson, 50, of Shelter Island was stopped by police on Tuesday, November 3 at about 5:50 p.m. for failing to signal a turn and for driving too slowly and impeding the flow of traffic. He was subsequently arrested on the following felony charges — aggravated driving while intoxicated and aggravated unlicensed operation in the 1st degree. He was also operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock device and had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle. Mr. Johnson’s vehicle was impounded under Suffolk County’s DWI Seizure Law.

Mr. Johnson was held overnight and arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court, Judge Mary-Faith Westervelt presiding. He was released on $1,000 bail.

Three days later, on Friday, November 6, he was driving west on Ram Island Drive when he was stopped again by police for failure to signal and to stop at a stop sign. Following investigation, he was arrested at about 9 a.m. for aggravated unlicensed operation in the 1st degree, driving without a required interlock device and driving while ability impaired. He was processed at police headquarters and arraigned in Justice Court, in front of Judge Westervelt. Mr. Johnson was released on $50,000 bail on the condition that he immediately enter a treatment program.

On November 3 at about 9 a.m., Raul Castro, 27, of Patchogue was stopped on West Neck Road for speeding — 50 mph in a 35-mph zone — and subsequently arrested for unlicensed operation and aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree. His vehicle was seized due to a prior conviction for unlicensed operation under Suffolk County’s Seizure Law. Mr. Castro was released on $100 station house bail and scheduled to appear in Justice Court at a later date.

On the same day, at about 9 p.m., Candis J. Leary, 35, of Southold was stopped for failure to stay in lane. She was subsequently arrested for driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree, unlicensed operation and two counts of failure to keep right. Ms. Leary was held overnight and arraigned in Justice Court the next day, Judge Westervelt presiding, and released on $1,000 bail. She will return to court at a later date.

Summonses
Frank C. Devito, 54, of Southampton was driving on South Ferry Road on November 3 when he was ticketed for unlicensed operation.

On November 5, Julio C. Ticuro, 31, of Greenport was driving on Clinton Avenue when he was stopped by police and given two summonses for failure to cover loose cargo and for unlicensed operation. He had several prior convictions for unlicensed operation and his vehicle was seized under Suffolk County’s Seizure Law.

OTHER REPORTS
An automatic burglary alarm was set off at a residence on Ram Island on November 3. Police found no indication of any criminal activity.

A caller reported an injured deer in the Center on November 5. Police responded and put the deer down. A second injured deer was put down by police in Silver Beach on November 7.

A low-hanging electric wire was reported in the Center on November 5. PSEG was notified.

A caller reported that a large box truck went around the traffic barricade on School Street on November 5. Police located the truck’s driver and he was advised next time to go around the block or he would be ticketed.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm at a home in the Center on November 5. It was a false alarm. A second residential fire alarm was set off in the Center on November 8; it was a false alarm and activated accidentally, the SIFD chief said.

A caller reported hearing gunshots on the air strip in Westmoreland on November 6. Police canvassed the area and also sat stationary patrol with negative results.

Police documented a case, civil in nature, for the courts on November 7.

A Center caller reported a dead turkey and an injured turkey on November 8. When police arrived, the injured turkey had moved on.

On November 9, a caller reported that a vehicle was parked in front of his residence on Ram Island. Police located the owner who was hunting in the area.

At 7:15 in the morning on November 10, police observed someone unloading bushels of scallops from a truck in Cartwright. The person was advised that if he scallops again before sunrise, he will be ticketed.

On November 9, a complainant reported an altercation during open gym at the school. Police investigated and prosecution was declined.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported two people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on November 3 and 8.

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
Ofelia Jerez, 30, of Greenport was driving on North Ferry Road on November 10 when she was stopped by police for speeding — 54 mph in a 40-mph zone. She was also ticketed for unlicensed operation.

ACCIDENTS
Germaine C. Faison of Riverhead was driving southbound on Ram Island Road on November 10 when she hit a large branch on the roadway. There was minor damage to the driver’s-side front bumper.

David Salerno of Shelter Island was driving southbound on South Ferry Road on November 11 when a deer ran into the left front bumper of his vehicle, causing over $1,000 in damage.

On November 12, a caller reported a dead deer on a West Neck roadway. According to the police blotter, the deer had apparently been hit by a vehicle that had then left the scene of the accident.

Paul D. Sherrod of New York City was headed southbound on West Neck Road when a deer ran into the passenger-side of his vehicle. Damages were estimated at over $1,000. The deer was killed in the accident.

Kristine F. Thilberg of Shelter Island was driving north on North Ferry Road when a deer ran into the driver’s-side of the vehicle, causing over $1,000 in damages. There were no injuries.

OTHER REPORTS
A dead deer was found at a Center intersection on November 10; the Highway Department was notified.

A large brown and white dog was reported at large on North Midway Road on November 10. Police responded but the owner subsequently informed police he had retrieved the dog.

On November 15, a Center resident turned a small French bulldog into headquarters. The dog was returned to its owner who reported the dog had escaped from the yard.

A complaint about a barking dog was received from a Center caller on November 15. Police were unable to determine the location.

On November 10, a caller reported that a vehicle had been left in the Heights without a permit. The vehicle’s owner was not aware of HPOC’s permitting rules.

Police responded on November 10 to a caller who turned in a $100 bill that she believed was counterfeit.

A primary wire fell in the Center on November 11, igniting some brush. The Shelter Island Fire Department was called but police on patrol had put out the flames with a fire extinguisher. PSEG was notified.

On November 12, a Hay Beach caller told police that leaves were being blown onto her property. Police found no evidence that the dumping was intentional.

Police participated in a travel safety discussion at the Shelter Island School on November 13 for students going on a class trip to Disney World.

Also on November 13, police received a complaint about landscaping vehicles parked on the caller’s Ram Island property.

On November 14, police were requested to check on the welfare of the caller’s children.

Police responded to a caller’s complaint about being harassed on November 14.

Just after midnight on November 15, police observed a vehicle spotlighting a Center woods, stopped the vehicle and saw a hunting bow in the front equipped with a flashlight. The occupants were issued a warning about night hunting/poaching deer. The driver said they were just looking at a deer that had run across the road.

On November 15, police received a report about a small brush fire in Cartwright. The SIFD also responded. A neighbor said that while cleaning up leaves, the muffler on his machine, which was hot, may have started the fire. There was no property damage.

Police received a call about a small stove fire at a home in Silver Beach on November 15. The SIFD said the stove was defective and removed it from the residence, shutting off the propane.

Also on the 15th, police responded to a dispute about an intoxicated passenger’s refusal to pay for a fare from Montauk to Greenport. The passenger was advised that not paying the fare could result in an arrest. The fare was paid.

Five burglary alarms were activated in the Center, Silver Beach and Menantic on November 11, 12 and 15. One could have been the result of an Island-wide power outage; one was set off accidentally; and there was no sign of any criminal activity in two others. The fifth was a perimeter activated alarm; the residence appeared to be secure.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported three people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on November 12, 14 and 16. A team responded to another case on November 10 but transportation to ELIH was provided privately. In a fifth case on November 12, medical attention was refused.

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.

Cameron J. Pendergrass, 22, of Shelter Island was arrested by police on Friday, November 20 at about 5 p.m. following an investigation into a reported burglary at an Island residence. He was charged with burglary in the 2nd degree, criminal mischief in the 3rd degree and petit larceny.

Mr. Pendergrass was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court, Judge Mary-Faith Westervelt presiding. Bail was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. In lieu of posting bail, he was remanded to Suffolk County jail.

SUMMONSES
Cristobal A. Garcia Monroy, 28, of Riverhead was driving on West Neck Road on November 17 when he was stopped by police and ticketed for driving without a license.

OTHER REPORTS
Police responded to a call from a Shorewood resident on November 17 about a possible bonfire; light reflected from a flag pole apparently gave the appearance of a fire.

A caller reported a case of grand larceny in the Center that police are investigating.

Also on the 17th, a caller reported an injured deer in the Center. Police put the deer down.

A Silver Beach caller told police on November 18 that someone was yelling in the neighborhood. Police canvassed the area with negative results.

An automatic burglary alarm was sent off at a residence in the Heights on November 18; it was activated accidentally by construction workers.

On November 19, police responded to a property dispute in the Center, which was subsequently resolved.

A burglary alarm was set off at a Ram Island home on the 19th and again on November 20. There was no sign of criminal activity.

Police informed PSEG of an Island-wide power outage on November 20.

Police received a complaint on November 21 about youths operating ATVs in the Center. A stationary patrol was conducted; no noise or problems were noted.

A caller told police on November 22 that a mulch pile in the Center was smoking. The pile was spread out to avoid it turning into a fire.

On November 22, police advised a person to stop making unwanted phone calls.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported two people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on  November 18.

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.

Luis Gomez, 27, of Shelter Island, was arrested by police on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26 at about 12 noon following an investigation into a reported assault with a kitchen knife at an Island residence.

He was charged with assault in the 2nd degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the 4th degree and menancing in the 2nd degree. Mr. Gomez was held overnight and arraigned the following day in Shelter Island Justice Court, Judge Mary-Faith Westervelt presiding.

Bail was set at $50,000. He was remanded to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

The victim was transported by a Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service team to Eastern Long Island Hospital for treatment.

SUMMONSES
Sarah E. Follett, 40, of Brooklyn, was driving on Manwaring Road on November 25 when she was stopped by police and ticketed for driving 46 mph in a 35-mph zone and failure to stop at a stop sign.

Michael J. Benevente, 34, of Manorville, was ticketed November 30 by police on South Ferry Road for operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic device.

Wilfredo Contreras, 48, of BayShore, was driving on Manwaring Road on November 30 when he was stopped by police and ticketed for driving 50 mph in a 35-mph zone, unlicensed operation and aggravated unlicensed operation in the 3rd degree. The police report states that the vehicle he was driving was seized under Suffolk County law due to a prior conviction of operating without a license.

ACCIDENTS
Marilynn W. Pysher of Shelter Island was driving southbound on Brander Parkway when a deer ran into the front right quarter panel, causing over $1,000 in damage.

Stephanie Zinger of Shelter Island was driving northbound on Locust Point Road when a deer ran into the left front fender of her car, causing over $1,000 in damage to the fender, bumper and hood.

OTHER REPORTS
An automatic burglary alarm at a Westmoreland residence was accidentally set off by cleaning staff on November 24.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at a Hay Beach residence on November 27. It was a false alarm.

A caller complained of barking dogs in the Center on November 24. Police responded but did not hear barking.

Police opened a fraud investigation in Hay Beach on November 25.

A caller reported an injured turkey in his back yard in the Center on November 25. When police responded, the turkey fled the area.

Multiple gun shots over a 45-minute period, possibly emanating from the Ram Island Causeway, were reported by a Hay Beach caller. Police investigated but found no shooters. Shots may have come from skeet shooting, according to the police department.

On the evening before Thanksgiving, police participated in an East End DWI Task Force patrol in the Center.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to a report of smoke at a Heights residence on Thanksgiving Day. It was determined to be caused by a faulty heating system, which was shut down pending repairs.

Also on Thanksgiving, police received an anonymous call reporting gun shots in the Center; the report was determined to be unfounded.

A caller reported on November 27 that a driver in the Center had failed to maintain his lane. Police interviewed the driver who said he had swerved to avoid a large deer in the road.

Police responded to reports of gun shots in Westmoreland on November 27. Police patrolled the area with negative results.

A cat, grey with white paws, was found dead November 28 outside a Center residence. Police were unable to determine ownership.

A caller reported on November 28 that three deer were stuck inside a fenced area around a grouping of trees outside a Menantic residence. The responding officer opened one end of the enclosure to free the deer.

A Hay Beach caller reported an unauthorized tree stand on his property on November 30. Police removed it.

A Center homeowner called police to report that he saw on live video feed a hunter in his yard on November 30.  Police responded and found that the hunter was on town property. The caller requested that the hunter not use his driveway for parking.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams responded to an aided case on November 25.  The person was medevaced by Suffolk County police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital. An EMS team transported a case to ELIH on November 25.

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
J.L. Montalvo-Mendoza of Shelter Island was the driver of a car involved in an accident aboard a docking North Ferry boat that injured a member of the crew on December 6. Mr. Montalvo-Mendoza reported to police that just as the Island-bound Manhanset was making contact with the ramp, his vehicle, which was running with the parking brake set, lunged forward, striking an employee and pinning him against the vessel. Police report the crew member had injuries to his ankle and leg and was transported by a Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services team to ELIH. The vehicle’s right side fender, headlight and hood had damage estimated in excess of $1,000.

Kristen E. Savage of Southold was reportedly travelling northbound on North Midway Road on December 1, when a deer ran into the front driver side fender and then rolled under the vehicle causing damage estimated in excess of $1,000.

The following day, Shelter Island Police Detective Sergeant Jack Thilberg hit a deer while on patrol on Midway Road causing minor damage to the passenger side front fender of the police vehicle he was driving.

Rodger Budd of St. James was driving eastbound on Winthrop Road on December 6 when he struck a deer that ran out in front of his car causing minor damage. Police notified the Shelter Island Highway Department to remove the deer.

SUMMONSES
Pablo R. Alvizures, 43, of Greenport, was stopped on West Neck Road on December 3 and ticketed for driving with an obstructed view and unlicensed operation.

OTHER REPORTS
A Hay Beach caller reported December 1 that her two dogs had escaped from her fenced yard. Police gave the owner contact information for the dog warden and patrolled the area with negative results.

On December 2, police investigated a complaint from a Center resident regarding a hose belonging to her that ended up on the wrong side of a new fence recently erected by her neighbor. The neighbor said workers may have moved the hose and later reported back to police that he’d spoken with his neighbor and resolved the matter.

An employee of South Ferry called police December 2 to report that the ferry company had received a counterfeit $10 bill. Police placed the bill in property for the detective division.

Hunters walking in the road were reported by a Menantic caller on December 3. The responding officer spoke with the hunters and no further action was taken.

A vehicle parked on the roadside on December 3 prompted a call from a Cartwright resident complaining that the roadway was obstructed. When police arrived, the vehicle was gone.

A caller requested assistance to corral horses that escaped from their pen at a Center residence on December 3. By the time police arrived, the horses had been caught and the owner notified.

A lost license plate off a trailer prompted a caller from the Center to seek police advice December 4; police supplied the appropriate DMV form.

Police responding to a fire alarm at a Center residence very early in the morning of December 5 gained access through an unlocked door and found no problems. The Shelter Island Fire Department also responded and confirmed it was a false alarm.

The property owner was notified. About 90 minutes later, the alarm was activated again. Police shut off the main power circuit breaker at the owner’s request pending alarm repairs.

An anonymous caller reported landscaper trucks being loaded with leaves on the shoulder of a Silver Beach roadway on December 5. Police located the person, who was loading equipment and leaving the area, and found no problems.
On December 6, police opened an investigation into reported criminal mischief in the Center and opened a confidential drug investigation also in the Center.

A burglary alarm was activated at a West Neck residence on December 6. Police determined that the building was secure and notified the caretaker.

Police investigated a complaint on December 7 from a Silver Beach resident about harassing phone calls. Police notified the caller who said she would not make further contact.

AIDED CASES
On December 4, a Shelter Island EMS team responded and evaluated a caller who refused medical treatment. An EMS team transported an aided case to Klenawicus Airfield on December 5 for medevac by Suffolk County Police Department helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital. EMS teams also transported cases to ELIH on December 5, 6 and 7.

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
Miguel G. Santos Ebelio, 32, of Greenport, was stopped by police on Bridge Street on the morning of December 14 and ticketed for driving a vehicle with non-transparent windows and unlicensed operation. He was stopped again 17 minutes later on the same street and ticketed for improper turn without a signal, improper U-turn and unlicensed operation.

ACCIDENT
Michael D. Tryon of Shelter Island was driving on South Ferry Road past the Medical Center on the morning of December 11 when a deer ran into the driver’s side of the car. Police estimated damage at less than $1,000 and notified the Highway Department to remove the deer.

OTHER REPORTS
A Center caller notified police on December 8 of a possible petit lar­ceny by an unknown person. The caller did not want to file charges but wanted to alert police in case others reported similar cases.

On December 8 a swimming pool at a home in South Ferry Hills was discovered being improperly filled using a garden hose, in violation of the town code. A caller reported hearing a loud motor running at a vacant home. When police responded the sound was found to be coming from an electric vacuum running to keep a new vinyl pool liner tight while the pool was being filled.

Police turned off the hose and, to reduce the noise, covered the vaccuum with a cardboard box found on the pool deck. Unable to contact the homeowner, police left a message with the building inspector to follow up on the violation.

A vehicle disturbance was reported December 9 by a Menantic homeowner reporting a car parked without permission in his driveway. Police located the owner of a company working next door who agreed to remove the vehicle.

Later that evening, the sound of a dog barking for an hour prompted a concerned Westmoreland caller to phone police, who located the dog and spoke with its owner. The dog, apparently barking at deer, was taken inside.

Another vehicle disturbance was reported the afternoon of December 10. Police responded but the vehicle was gone when they arrived.

A burglary alarm, apparently set off by a loose front door window, brought police to a vacant Hay Beach residence December 11. A caretaker repaired the problem.

In Harbor View on December 15, a hunter called police to report that he’d hunted and killed a deer and needed help loading it into his car. The responding officer explained that, while he would help this time, police do not generally provide this service and advised the hunter to make other arrangements in the future. The caller was informed that police also do not control hunting or tagging of deer.

A person turned away  from Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport on the evening of December 13 reported no place to stay. Southold police provided transport from the hospital to the North Ferry and Shelter Island police escorted the person from the dock to the South Ferry, where Sag Harbor police were to assist with transport to a shelter for the night.

Later that night, a caller contacted Southold police who passed along a request that Shelter Island Police unlock a car in the Heights to retrieve the caller’s keys. Police located the keys and delivered them to the ferry for transport to Greenport.

In other ferry-related business that same night, a passport found on the North Ferry was returned to its owner with the assistance of police.

On December 14, police opened an investigation into a counterfeit bill that was turned over to the detective unit.

A Hay Beach property owner called police that day to say that pending sale of the property, hunting on the site would be limited to two hunters whose names were provided to police.

AIDED CASES
A Shelter Island Emergency Services team transported an aided case to Southampton Hospital on December 14.

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
Deborah A. Shepherd of Shelter Island was driving westbound on Burns Road near North Cartwright on December 16 when a deer ran out and struck her vehicle causing damage to the right front quarter panel and bumper estimated by police to be in excess of $1,000.

Ann H. Diefendorf of Shelter Island was driving southbound on New York Avenue on December 18 when a deer struck her vehicle causing minor damage to the left front bumper. Police notified the Highway Department to remove the deer.

ALARMS
Police and fire officials last week responded to three alarms that proved false and one that did not. A fire alarm at a Silver Beach home was inadvertently activated while being serviced on December 15.

A fire alarm in a Heights residence went off December 16. Shelter Island Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Stanley Beckwith determined after an investigation that it was a false alarm. The owner was notified and said she would have the alarm company check it out.

A “silent duress” alarm went off at a Silver Beach residence on December 18. Police determined that the alarm malfunctioned when the homeowner entered the premises.

On December 19, police responded to an investigation of an active fire at the Shelter Island House. The Fire Department found that a sitting area in the restaurant was filled with smoke from a fireplace fire due to a chimney that was not venting properly.

The fire was extinguished by the owner. No damage or injuries were reported.

OTHER REPORTS
Police assistance was requested December 15 by a caller concerned about repeated messages from the same phone number from someone claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service seeking payment. The responding officer found numerous Internet reports of the number being linked to scams, and advised the caller not to provide any information and to contact the phone service provider to block the number. A second caller complained about the same telephone number later in the day and was advised to follow the same precautions.

A caller reported a loose dog behaving aggressively in the Center on December 15. The caller told police the dog ran at her in an aggressive manner and, while it did not make contact with her, she worried it might attack someone else. Police found that employees at a residence had accidently let the dog out. The owner was notified and asked to provide license and vaccination records for the dog.

A Center caller reported that a flatbed trailer had been left on his property December 15. Police contacted the owner of the trailer who agreed to move it.

An officer from another agency contacted the police December 19 for help locating a suspect with an outstanding warrant. Police determined the suspect had contact with the Southold Police Department and referred the caller there for further information.

On December 19 police were asked to investigate a complaint about loud music being played at all times in the Center.
Police attempted to provide assistance to a Center caller with a flat tire who turned out to have no spare and no jack late on December 19. Police stayed with the motorist until a friend arrived and noted that the car would be left in the lot where it was parked until repairs could be made the following day.

AIDED CASES
Police administered oxygen while awaiting the arrival of Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services teams for transport to Eastern Long Island Hospital on December 16 and again on December 17. EMS teams also transported aided cases to ELIH and Southampton Hospital on December 17, and two aided cases to ELIH on December 18.

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.

ACCIDENT
Brian M. Sherman of Shelter Island reported that his car was struck by an unknown vehicle the evening of December 19 while parked in the driveway of his home, causing damage to the driver side rear quarter panel. Police estimated the damage was in excess of $1,000.

ALARMS
A power failure on December 22 apparently tripped a burglary alarm at a Hay Beach residence; police found no evidence of criminal activity.

Police and the Shelter Island Fire Department responded to a fire alarm December 26 at the Ram’s Head Inn. Second Assistant Chief Stanley Beckwith determined that smoke had puffed back down a fireplace chimney and said the call was a false alarm.

At the Shelter Island Historical Society, two students working on a project accidentally tripped a burglary alarm on December 27.

Police responded to an early morning burglary alarm at a Ram Island residence December 28, but found the building was secure and left a message for the caretaker to have the alarm checked.

Later the same day, workers installing a generator at a building in the Heights, accidentally set off a fire alarm.

Also on December 28, the police and fire departments responded to a report of a smell of propane at a building in Mashomack Preserve. The Fire Department turned off the propane tank and police notified the Preserve director to have the furnace checked.

A burglary alarm went off late that night at a South Ferry Hills residence, where police found that wind had blown open doors on the second floor. Police secured the doors and notified the homeowner.

OTHER REPORTS
An anonymous caller reported gun shots in Hay Beach on December 23. Police found people shooting skeet on the first Ram Island causeway.

A report of a 911 hang-up call at a Menantic residence was investigated December 23. Police found that a worker’s cell phone had inadvertently dialed 911.

A caller reported a dead deer stuck in a driveway gate at a Center residence on Christmas Eve. Police notified the Highway Department for removal.

The same day, a Center resident reported a lost dog — a white and tan shih tzu.

Police followed up on a complaint December 24 from a Heights resident about an apparent phone scam from a caller making a claim about power grid defects. Police checked with PSEG, which found no such call had been made.

At the request of a Shorewood caller on December 26, police notified an individual to stay away from the caller’s residence or risk arrest.

In the Heights on December 28, police found a side door of a residence ajar, but discovered no sign of entry and secured the door.

In separate instances, police documented information, civil in nature, for the courts on December 24 and December 25.

AIDED CASES
Police assisted Emergency Medical Services Teams with an aided case on December 23 and two cases on 28.

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.

TICKETS
Miguel G. Santos Ebelio, 32, of Greenport, ticketed twice one December day for unlicensed operation, was stopped again on Bridge Street January 4 and ticketed for unauthorized display of fire department insignia on a private vehicle and unlicensed operation.

ALARMS
A duress alarm was activated December 31 at a West Neck home. The homeowner told police it was triggered in error. A burglary alarm at a Heights residence was tripped January 4. Police found the house secure and the caretaker confirmed there’d been no entry. When police responded later in the day to a second alarm at the house, the caretaker said the system had been reported to the security company. At another Heights residence that day, a homeowner accidentally set off a burglary alarm unaware the caretaker had changed the pass code, police said.

OTHER REPORTS
Midday New Year’s Eve, a caller complained of a trailer parked along a Center road. Police found it was parked legally at a construction site but marked it with a traffic cone to alert motorists.

In early afternoon December 31, a Dering Harbor resident reported an injured deer on the beach; police dispatched the deer and notified the Village Highway Department to remove it.

A short while later, a Center caller reported hunters who fled into a wooded area when approached. Police searched for them with negative results.

Hours later, a caller reported an injured deer in a Center road. Upon arrival, police found the deer dead and notified the Highway Department for removal.

The first 2016 police report was logged at 2:24 a.m. from a Menantic resident, worried about flickering light at a neighboring home. Police investigated and found the light came from outdoor hurricane lamps.

Police patrolling New Year’s Day spotted a door ajar at a Harbor View home under construction; no sign of criminal activity was found.

Later, problems with a fire and carbon monoxide monitoring system at a Ram Island house prompted the homeowner to seek assurance before occupying the house. The Shelter Island Fire Department checked CO levels in the home with negative results.

A Hay Beach caller January 2 found a driveway gate at her mother’s home damaged. A neighbor told her the damage was caused by a deer that had gotten stuck on the gate.

Also January 2, a Montclair resident reported a boat missing from a town landing. Police checked the impound lot but did not find the boat.

Later that day, a French bulldog brought to police headquarters by a passerby who found it on Route 114 was reunited with its owner.

Loud music was reported by a Cartwright caller around 7 p.m. January 2; police found no loud music.
Later, a Center caller complained of an ATV causing a disturbance. Police patrolled with negative results.

Around 10:30 p.m. a caller reported an injured deer in a Center roadway; police searched but did not find the deer.

An officer on patrol a short while later spotted three pickup trucks driving slowly in a wooded West Neck area known for deer activity. When the police vehicle approached, the trucks moved away, prompting the officer to report concern about possible hunting from vehicles.

A Center caller reported an 8-foot-wide, 2-foot-deep sink hole at a neighbor’s home on January 3.

Police staked off the hole and contacted the property owner, who notified a septic contractor for repair.

Later that day, a caller reported harassing phone calls from a blocked number. Police told the caller if the harassment continued, she could request police assistance in identifying the number. Police also investigated a possible social media scam January 3.

AIDED CASES
Three aided cases were transported by Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services teams to Eastern Long Island Hospital on December 30.

SHELTER ISLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT PHOTO | Jeannie Camp Chanel

Shelter Island police made an arrest Tuesday in an “employer/employee relationship” with the victim being fleeced for $75,000 over a two-year period, according to Chief  Jim Read.

Jeannie Camp Chanel, 68, of Miller Place was taken into custody on the Island about 2 p.m. Tuesday and charged with grand larceny in the 2nd degree and criminal impersonation in the 2nd degree, according to police.

Ms. Camp was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court  and released on cash bail of $20,000.

The crimes were committed by credit card transfers, with Ms. Camp impersonating the victim, police said.

The investigation is ongoing, Chief Read said. According to police, “it was decided that in furtherance and interest of this case, that we would release” a mugshot.

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.

ARRESTS
Prompted by a late night call about yelling in the street outside a Center residence, police arrested Abbie K., Annie K. and Jeremy Ross-Gates, 19-year-old triplets, of Shelter Island, on Thursday, January 7 at 10:35 p.m. Each was charged with one count of menancing in the second degree, a Class A misdemeanor in which the victim is placed in reasonable fear of physical injury, serious physical injury or death by the display of a dangerous instrument, according to Police Chief Jim Read. The three were arraigned at Shelter Island Justice Court and released on $500 bail each. Orders of protection were issued relating to the incident, police reported.

ACCIDENT
William J. Boeklen, of Shelter Island, was driving on North Ferry Road near West Neck Road early Friday morning when his car slid on icy pavement, spun 180 degrees and struck the curb causing the driver’s side tires to dislodge from the wheel rims and deflate. Police estimated the damage as less than $1,000; the car was towed away.

Police directed traffic at the site of the accident, notified the three highway departments of icy roads and placed flares at a slippery stretch of South Ferry Road at Shady Lane.

OTHER REPORTS
A Center caller reported January 8 that his minor son had found two items of property belonging to others. Police were able to track down the owner of one item and placed the other, which had no owner information associated with it, in storage at police headquarters.

Police searched for but did not find an arcing wire reported by a Silver Beach resident on January 10.

A North Ferry captain reported to police January 10 that a white 22-foot sailboat, stuck for weeks on a beach near the Heights ferry slips, was set afloat by a storm surge and had passed nearby the docks. Police notified the Coast Guard, which sent a boat to investigate and broadcast a warning to mariners about the drifting vessel.

A caller reported an injured deer in a Hay Beach roadway on January 11. The deer, which apparently had been hit by a motor vehicle, was dead when police arrived.

Police opened an investigation January 11 prompted by a person who reported being the target of a financial crime. (See story, this page.)

ALARMS
A passerby notified police of an activated low temperature alarm January 6 at the Silver Beach residence under construction.

Police spoke with the contractor who agreed to have the alarm checked.

A carbon monoxide monitor went off at a Dering Harbor house January 7. The Shelter Island Fire Department responded and Chief Greg Sulahian determined it was a false alarm caused inadvertently by a contractor working at the house.

Police investigated a burglary alarm at the Dering Harbor cottage on January 10, but found all doors and windows in the cottage and main house secure. High winds may have set off motion detectors and activated the alarm.

AIDED CASE
Police and a Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services team responded to call for medical assistance on January 10; no transport was required.

Nearly one year after a grand jury indicted John Costello on a vehicular manslaughter charge, the Greenport businessman still awaits a trial date. 

State Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho said during a conference in Central Islip Thursday that a report from investigators reconstructing the fatal crash is still outstanding.

The judge said he hopes the report will be available in February, when Mr. Costello is due to return to court.

Mr. Costello was allegedly driving drunk in a 2008 Chevy pickup truck eastbound on Main Road in Greenport shortly before 7 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 5, 2014 when he crossed into the westbound lane and hit an oncoming 2006 Honda driven by 22-year-old Oseas Ramirez, according to the police accident report.

Bartolone Miguel in an undated courtesy photo.

Bartalone Miguel, 32, and also of Peconic, was riding in the passenger seat and was taken to Eastern Long Island Hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Mr. Miguel, a Guatemalan native, worked as a crew leader in the vineyard at Pellegrini Winery & Vineyard in Cutchogue for six years before his death.

Mr. Costello, the owner of Costello Marine Contracting, was initially charged only with driving while intoxicated but was later arraigned on grand jury charges of vehicular manslaughter, a felony; two more felony charges for recklessly causing death; and three misdemeanor charges, two related to driving drunk and a traffic infraction.

Mr. Costello’s pickup truck following the Dec. 2014 fatal crash in Greenport. (Credit: AJ Ryan, Stringer News Service)

Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Miller has said Mr. Costello’s blood alcohol content at the time of the crash was 0.17 — just more than twice the legal limit of 0.08.

Mr. Costello, who remains free on $50,000 bond, faces up to 15 years behind bars if convicted of the top charge.

Last July, Judge Camacho dismissed a motion by the defense to dismiss the grand jury charges, saying the court found no irregularities with the way the grand jury proceedings were handled, according to the judge’s decision on the motion.

Top Caption: John Costello is led out of court Dec. 16. (Credit: Carrie Miller file photo)

With Jen Nuzzo

gparpan@timesreview.com

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.

Kathleen Rafferty, 48, of East Hampton was driving on North Ferry Road on Friday, January 15 when she was stopped by police for failure to signal, to keep right and to stay in lane. She was subsequently arrested at about 8 p.m. and charged with driving while intoxicated and aggravated DWI with a BAC level of .18 or more.

Ms. Rafferty was held overnight and arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court in front of Judge Mary-Faith Westervelt. She was released on $1,000 bail and issued an appearance ticket for a later court date. Her vehicle was seized in accordance with Suffolk County’s DWI seizure law.

On Saturday, January 16 at about 5:40 p.m., Katherine Franzoni, 33, of Shelter Island was stopped for failure to stay in lane and having an unauthorized window sticker. Police noticed a strong odor of marijuana while approaching the vehicle, which led to a search. Ms. Franzoni was subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree.

She was processed at police headquarters and released on $100 station house bail.

SUMMONSES
Louis A. Nees, 29, of Orlando, Florida was ticketed on South Ferry Road on January 18 for operating a vehicle while the registration was suspended or revoked.

Also on the 18th, John P. Coviello, 31, of New York City was stopped on New York Avenue for the same offense — driving with a suspended or revoked registration.

ACCIDENTS
Kathleen M. Richards of Shelter Island was backing into a parking spot on Summerfield Place on January 14 when she hit a parked car owned by Patricia M. Lutkins of Shelter Island. Damage to the driver’s-side front fender and headlight of Ms. Lutkins vehicle was estimated at over $1,000.

On January 17, Jean McClintock of Shelter Island was driving northbound on South Ferry Road when a deer ran into the front quarter panel of her vehicle, causing damage estimated at over $1,000. The deer was killed in the accident.

OTHER REPORTS
Police conducted D.A.R.E. programs for 7th and 5th graders at the Shelter Island School on January 12 and 14 respectively.

A caller reported hunters walking on the roadways in Hay Beach on January 12; police checked and found they were tracking an injured deer.

Police investigated a case of grand larceny in South Ferry Hills on January 12.

Also on January 12, police were told about missing items that were taken from a Center caller. The person was referred to the East Hampton Police Department, which has jurisdiction over the incident.

A caller told police that a vehicle, with its right rear brake light out, was being driven erratically in the Center on January 13. The vehicle was gone when police responded.

On January 14, a caller reported an unlawful entry into a Cartwright residence.

A caller complained about being blocked in by a vehicle in Menantic on January 14. The vehicle was gone when police arrived.

Police received a report on January 15 about gunshots in the area of Silver Beach. Police determined that the gunshots were a result of duck hunting off the shores of North Haven.

Responding to a call from a Center resident on January 16, police put down an injured deer.

A caller told police on January 16 that a turkey had been hit by a vehicle in the Center and was probably dead. The Highway Department was notified.

A caller told police on January 16 that youths were climbing in an area under construction in the Center. Police responded but no one was there.

Police were advised on January 17 that an ATV was being operated at a high rate of speed in Dering Harbor. Police located the youths who were riding the ATV on private property.

Police were told about an injured deer on the front lawn of a Hay Beach residence on January 17. The deer was gone and the area canvassed with negative results.

A caller reported that a dog in the Center was left out in the snow on January 17. Police spoke to the owner who had taken the dog inside.

Police responded to a domestic dispute in West Neck on January 18.

Three automatic alarms were set off at residences during the week. A caretaker was notified about a burglary alarm in the Center on January 12; the premises were secure.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm in the Center on January 13; no trace of CO was found.

The SIFD also answered a fire alarm in Hay Beach on January 18. Chief Sulahian declared it was a false alarm, set off by construction workers on the premises.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported four people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on January 12, 16 and 18.

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
Paulette Van Vranken of Shelter Island was leaving a parking space in the IGA’s parking lot on January 20 when she didn’t see the protruding base of a light pole and her vehicle hit it. There was over $1,000 in damage estimated to the left and front of the vehicle on the driver’s side; there was only minor damage to the light pole’s access door, which the impact had opened.

On January 22, Cecilia Quito of East Hampton was driving on North Midway Road when her vehicle left the roadway and hit a PSEG pole, splitting the pole in half. There was over $1,000 in damage to the left and front of the vehicle on the driver’s side. Ms. Quito was taken to Eastern Long Island Hospital by an emergency medical service team with injuries to her left shoulder and face.

The Shelter Island Fire Department stood by with police until PSEG responded.

Ms. Quito’s vehicle was towed. Police issued Ms. Quito, 25, two tickets for unlicensed operation and for not moving safely from the lane.

OTHER REPORTS
Shelter Island police conducted D.A.R.E. classes for 7th graders at the Shelter Island School on January 19 and 21 and for 5th graders on January 21.

On January 20, police responded to a report that a vehicle was parked on a Center caller’s driveway and that people were walking on the property. They were gone when police arrived but police found no signs of any criminal activity. The owner thought they may have been looking at the house as a possible rental.

Police received a report of an IRS scam call on January 20.

Police on patrol noticed an open door at a residence in Hay Beach on January 20. The caretaker was advised to re-secure the door.

An anonymous caller reported an intoxicated person in the Center on January 21 and requested an extra patrol.

Police were told on January 22 that there was a large number of roofing nails on a Hay Beach roadway, creating a  hazardous condition. The Shelter Island Highway Department responded and removed about 200 nails.

A caller told police on January 23 that a broken tree limb had fallen on wires in West Neck; PSEG was notified.

A power outage was reported in the Silver Beach area on January 23.

Police and the SIFD responded to a working structure fire at an occupied residence in Long View on January 23 at about 1:45 p.m. The fire was brought under control.

Several hours later, the SIFD extinguished a small basement fire at a residence, also in Long View. The cause of the fire, according to the police blotter, was a faulty fireplace.

Police noticed an open garage door at a Menantic home on January 24. Police cleared away snow and closed the door.

On the same day, a caller reported an open front door at a Heights residence. There was no sign of any forced entry; high winds may have blown the door open.

A Hay Beach caller reported a case of grand larceny on January 25.

Police responded to a report of a water leak at a property in the Center on January 25. The leak was caused by a burst pipe at an outdoor shower. The owner was advised.

On January 25, a Hay Beach caller reported an unknown person walking in the yard. Police located the person who was known to the caller.

ALARMS
Two burglary alarms were reported during the week at homes in Harbor View and on Ram Island on January 19 and 25 respectively. The doors and windows were secure in the first case; a wrong code set off the second automatic alarm.

A carbon monoxide alarm was activated at a Cartwright residence on January 22. SIFD Second Asssitant  Chief Beckwith reported it was a false alarm. The detector’s batteries were replaced.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported four people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on January 20, 21, 24 and 25. A fifth person was transported to Southampton Hospital on January 19.

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.

ARRESTS
Fred J. Conforto, 42, of the Bronx, was arrested on Monday, January 25 at 8 p.m. on three charges of criminal sale of a controlled substance on January 25, as a result of a lengthy police investigation involving numerous federal and state agencies.

He was arragined in Shelter Island Justice Court and remanded to the Suffolk County Correctional Facility where he will remain pending a grand jury investigation.

William A. Anderson III, 47, of Shelter Island, was arrested at 12 .m. on Friday, Janaury 29  on a charge of criminal mischief on January 29, related to a property damage in a domestic dispute. He was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court and released on his own recognizance and directed to return at a future date.

SUMMONSES
Naun L. Lopez, 30, of Riverhead, was stopped on South Ferry Road on January 27 and ticketed for operating a motor vehicle while using an electronic device, not wearing a seat belt, aggravated unlicensed operation and being an unlicensed operator.

Ian Crowley, 43, of Greenport, was stopped on South Ferry Road on January 28 and ticketed for a license plate violation.

Mark Fitzgerald, 58, of Southampton, was stopped on North Ferry Road at Winthrop and ticketed for driving without a seat belt and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.

DEER V. CAR ACCIDENTS
Brian Bailey of Sag Harbor was driving northbound on South Ferry Road on January 27 when a deer struck his vehicle. There was no damage to the car. The injured deer was put down and the Highway Department was notified to remove the carcass.

A caller reported an injured deer on a Center road January 29. When police arrived the deer, apparently the victim of a collision with a vehicle, was alive but not moving. Police put down the deer, moved it to the side of the road and notified the Highway Department.

Kristin E. Savage of Southold was driving northbound in a jeep on North Midway on February 1 when a deer struck the driver’s side running board. There was no damage to the vehicle and the deer ran off into the woods.

OTHER REPORTS
Police on patrol on Tuesday spotted an open door on a West Neck residence. The house was winterized and no damage had occured. Police notified the owner and secured the door.

A garage door and second floor window were found open by police at another West Neck home later that day. Police notified the homeowner via voicemail.

An anonymous report of a transformer fire brought police and the Shelter Island Fire Department to the Heights on Tuesday. It was determined that the primary wire connected to the top of the transformer had burned. There was no active fire and no hazard, but one business lost power. PSEG was notified.

A South Ferry caller reported a road hazard Tuesday evening. The responding officer found a tarp in the road, pulled it off to the side and notified the Highway Department to have it removed.

While on patrol late that night police spotted an open door and power on in a Heights residence. No criminal activity was detected and the caretaker was notified.

Police provided D.A.R.E. instruction to students at the Shelter Island School on Wednesday.

A Center resident complained to police about a dog barking nearby for 45 minutes early Thursday morning. The resident called back immediately to say the barking had stopped.

On Friday afternoon, a caller reported hearing gun shots from the unpaved area of Rocky Point Road and seeing deer running and, soon after, a vehicle leave the area.

Police opened a confidential investigation Friday.

Over the weekend, police responded to two calls, civil in nature, and on Saturday investigated a domestic dispute in the Menantic area and found no offence had been committed.

A Center caller reported two pit bull dogs running loose on Sunday. Police searched the area with negative results.

On Silver Beach, a resident reported Sunday afternoon that while looking through his telescope he saw people “throwing cans into the water and shooting them.” Police located the individuals and determined they were shooting skeet in a safe and responsible manner.

In yet another IRS scam, a Center resident reported to police on Monday that she’d received a call warning her that an arrest warrant had been issued for her as a result of an investigation. She had attempted to call the number back several times without success. Another resident reported later in the day that an unknown person had attempted to gain access to her bank account but that no money was taken.

AIDED CASES
Police assisted Shelter Island Emergency Services teams in cases transported to Eastern Long Island Hospital on January 26, 28, 30 and 31.

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.

ACCIDENT
Robert A. Griffin, of Shelter Island, was driving southbound on North Menantic Road on Friday, February 19 when a deer ran into his vehicle causing damage to the right front quarter panel that police estimated was in excess of $1,000.

OTHER REPORTS
A Silver Beach caller reported being the victim of a phone scam on February 16. Later that morning, a Center caller reported to police having been in a confrontation with another individual; it was determined that no criminal act had taken place.

Police and Shelter Island Fire Department personnel responded to reports of a downed, arcing wire in the Center on the afternoon of February 16; PSEG was notified to repair the line.

A little while later, police received a report of another wire down in the Center, but upon investigation determined it was an old, broken off telephone wire that presented no hazard.

On Nostrand Parkway that evening, a downed tree blocked the road; police notified the Shelter Island Highway Department to remove it.

Police provided assistance on February 17 in verifying that a caller’s license plates were valid.

An anonymous caller reported water coming from a burst pipe for an outside shower at a Shorewood home on February 19. Police contacted the homeowner and got permission to enter the house and shut off the water pump pending repairs.

Police dispatched a sick raccoon reported by a West Neck caller on February 21.

A Center caller complained of smoky conditions caused by an open burn in a neighbor’s yard on February 22. When the neighbor was advised by police that the smoke was irritating his neighbors, he extinguished the fire.

Later that night, police assisted another agency in a drug investigation.

ALARMS
Police were called by an automatic alarm service on February 18 to a Hay Beach home where it turned out an oil burner serviceman had been given the wrong deactivation code. Police notified the homeowner of the error.

Late in the evening the next day, police were dispatched in response to an automatic burglary alarm at a Heights residence where the owner had inadvertently tripped the alarm.

Police and fire personnel were dispatched February 20 to a Dering Harbor home in response to an automatic fire alarm. A plumber working on pipes in the basement set off the alarm. SIFD Chief Greg Sulahian determined it was a necessary activation.

On February 22, police and fire personnel responded to an automatic fire alarm at Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, which was determined to be a false alarm triggered by a contractor working on sheetrock in the building.

AIDED CASES
Police assisted Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services teams with aided cases on February 17, 20 and 22.

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
Mary Ellen Adipietro of Shelter Island was driving on St. Mary’s Road near Manwaring Road around 9:30 p.m. on February 26 when a deer ran out in front of her vehicle. Police dispatched the injured deer and notified the Highway Department to remove it. There was no damage to the vehicle.

OTHER REPORTS
On February 23 a Hay Beach caller reported that an Island dog he was considering for adoption bit his finger. Police contacted the town’s animal control officer to determine the dog’s vaccination status.

A floating dock was found by a Hay Beach resident on February 24; police requested that the Highway Department move the dock to the impound lot.

A deer with two broken legs was spotted by a Long View resident on February 24; police dispatched the injured animal and notified the Highway Department to remove it.

A large wire came down in a grassy area in the Center on February 24. Police were on the scene as was Shelter Island Fire Chief Greg Sulahian, who determined a Fire Department response was not necessary. Police called PSEG to repair the line.

An item of property belonging to an unknown person was found by the side of a roadway in the Heights on February 25 and was removed by police to the impound container.

A sailboat in Silver Beach ran aground on the inside of Shell Beach on February 25. A caller spotted the boat and reported to police that the person operating the boat had gotten onto a raft and seemed to be in distress. Police reponded and located the boater on the beach, assisted him in securing his vessel and escorted him home.

Police taught a D.A.R.E. lesson to the 5th grade at the Shelter Island School on February 26.

On Saturday, February 27 — the start of a busy day for police — another injured deer was reported by an anonymous caller in the West Neck area shortly after midnight. Police dispatched the animal and notified the Highway Department to remove it.

Later that morning, police received a report of a possible alarm at a house in the Heights. Police investigated but found no audible alarm and didn’t observe any signs that might have prompted an alarm. The caretaker was notified.

That afternoon, a Ram Island caller reported a front door open at a residence; police secured the door, but found no indication of trespass or criminal activity. They were unable to contact the homeowner.

Loud screaming was reported by an anonymous caller late in the evening in the Cartwright area. Police found that several youths were playing football.

A short while later, a Hay Beach caller reported a glowing fuse on a transformer on a utility pole. Police investigated and found that all residences appeared to have power. PSEG was notified.

The last call on February 27 came from a Heights resident reporting a suspicious vehicle; police found the owner of the vehicle and determined there was no cause for concern.

Just before noon on Sunday, Febuary 28, a Ram Island resident reported that while he was walking on the beach along Ram Island Drive that morning, he’d seen young men skeet shooting using real dishes and that 20 or more dishes were floating on the surface of the water. Police responded but found no evidence of such littering in the water or on the beach.

Later that afternoon, a caller reported that a car had been blocking a road in the Shorewood area for four hours; when police arrived the car was gone.

Police are investigating two reports of identity theft reported on February 29. One caller said he’d been the victim of a scam. He reported that he’d received a check in the mail and when he tracked down the sender, was told the check had been sent in error and was instructed to deposit the funds in his own bank account and then send a money order back to sender. Upon doing so, the caller learned the check had bounced. Police are investigating.

ALARMS
Police responded to two automatic burglary alarms; one on February 26 when a Silver Beach homeowner failed to punch in the code before the alarm activated, and another on February 27 when a plumber working on a Shorewood home inadvertently set off the alarm. Police and the Shelter Island Fire Department reponded to a fire alarm at a Center residence on February 29, but it was determined that workers refinishing floors had inadvertently set off the alarm.

AIDED CASES
Police assisted Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services teams with transporting aided cases to Eastern Long Island Hospital once on February 23 and twice on February 26.

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.

ACCIDENT
Wilma P. Evangelista of Shelter Island was backing her car out of a spot at the Center Post Office in the early afternoon of February 29 and sideswiped a parked and unoccupied car belonging to Bruce M. Kolodny of Shelter Island. There was damage to the driver’s side fender and front door of Mr. Kolodny’s vehicle that police estimated was in excess of $1,000. There was no damage to Ms. Evangelista’s car and no one was injured in the accident.

OTHER REPORTS
A caller reported on March 2 that the lights in her Hay Beach home were going off and coming back on again. Police notified PSEG and were informed that problems were occurring throughout the area with numerous homes experiencing power surges and outages. Police assisted the caller in the use of her backup generator.

Police and firefighters responded to a chimney fire at a Center residence on March 3. There was no damage reported.

Fifth graders at the Shelter Island School had the seventh of 10 D.A.R.E. lessons on March 4. Graduation ceremony for the D.A.R.E. program is scheduled for March 23.

A hunter working in the town’s Cobbetts Lane nuisance hunt property on March 5, reported that he was surprised to hear a shot fired nearby. It turned out to have been fired by another hunter also enrolled in the town nuisance hunt.

The engine of a car being warmed up in the Heights began spewing smoke and then flames around noon on March 5. Police responded with Shelter Island Fire Department 2nd Assistant Chief Stanley Beckwith and knocked down the fire with an extinguisher prior to the arrival of fire trucks. It appeared a dry, rotted gas hose may have started the fire. Damage was contained to the engine bay, hood and fender, police said.

“This was the quietest week in recent memory,” Police Chief James Read told the Reporter on Wednesday.

COURTESY PHOTO | Detective Sergeant Jack Thilberg, center, was honored by the Kiwanis Club of Southampton as the Shelter Island Police Department’s Officer of the Year on January 22 at the Atlantis Hotel in Riverhead. Joining Det. Sgt. Thilberg was Shelter Island Police Chief Jim Read and Police Clerk Linda Klenawicus.

Detective Sergeant Jack Thilberg, who led a five month investigation with multiple law enforcement agencies into the distribution of narcotics on the East End, which led to three arrests, has been named Shelter Island Police Department’s Officer of the Year.

Det. Sgt. Thilberg, a 26-year veteran of the force, was honored January 22 at the Southampton Kiwanis Club’s annual East End Police Awards dinner held at the Atlantis Hotel in Riverhead.

The arrests came about through Det. Sgt. Thilberg’s’s coordination of personnel from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the U. S. Postal Inspection Service, the U. S. Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U. S. Secret Service, the New York State Police, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Southold Town Police Department.

Over the course of the investigation, numerous packages were tracked, intercepted, and seized through the execution of search warrants. The shipments, via United States mail, contained quantities of drugs and controlled substances including fentanyl, alprazolam, cocaine, and oxycodone. Counterfeit U.S. Currency was also seized during the investigation.

Building on that investigation, Det. Sgt. Thilberg conducted an investigation into a burglary at an Island establishment where the contents of a safe had been stolen, including approximately $20,000. A suspect was identified who had left the country with a companion and was in the Bahamas.

With the assistance of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and the Bahamian Royal Police Force, the suspect was located and monitored. When the suspect and his companion returned on a later date to New Jersey’s Newark Liberty International Airport, Det. Sergeant Thilberg, along with other officers, apprehended them.