(Long Island, NY) The Fifth Precinct reports the arrest of a Garden City man for driving while intoxicated with a child in the car (Leandra’s Law) which occurred on Sunday, 06/28/15 at 10:25 P.M.
According to police officers, while on patrol on Hempstead Tpke./Front St., they observed defendant Alonso Mendez, 36, who was operating a 2003 Honda Civic, pulled over on the shoulder with another vehicle, after being involved in a minor auto accident.
Nassau County Police reports the arrest of a Garden City man for driving while intoxicated with a child in the car (Leandra’s Law) which occurred on Sunday, 06/28. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.
The defendant had blood shot eyes and a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. In his vehicle, were his wife (front passenger) and 2-year-old son, restrained in an infant car seat in the rear. The defendant was placed under arrest. The child was released to his mother at the scene.
No injuries were reported.
Mendez is being charged with Aggravated Driving Intoxicated (Child 15), Endangering Welfare Child, DWI, and DWI (BAC+.08 Misd). He will be arraigned on Monday, 06/29/15 in First District Court, Hempstead.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
