Man Charged With Drugs, DWI in Bedford

A Purdys man is due in Bedford court next week after speeding while driving drunk, police said.

Erik Gins, 22, of Purdys, was arrested on Sept. 28 after police observed him driving at a speed of 55 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone. Officers on patrol conducted a traffic stop on Cross River Road at 1:15 a.m. on Sept. 28.

Police approached Gins' car and said they detected a strong smell of alcoholic beverages and an odor of marijuana. They said they noticed he had glassy eyes and upon interviewing him, Gins admitted to having a few drinks and "smoking weed" a few hours prior to the stop.

Gins failed field sobriety tests, according to police. He was brought back to police headquarters for processing, where he submitted to a breath test which revealed a .12 BAC. Drug recognition expert Officer Bellantone evaluated a urine sample which determined the presence of drugs in his bloodstream.

Gins was charged with DWI over .08 BAC, speeding, DWI combination alcohol and drugs and an equipment violation for headlights. He was released without bail pending an appearance in town court next week. 

Cross River woman charged with DWI

A Cross River woman faces drunk driving charges following her arrest in Bedford on Sept. 28.

Police stopped Karen Martabano, 58, of Cross River, at 12:46 a.m. on Route 35 near Route 22 after observing her car cross the double yellow lines. Officers adminstered field sobriety tests, which Martabano failed. She was brought to police headquarters where she submitted to a chemical test which revealed a .20 BAC, more than twice the legal limit.

Martabano was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, making an unsafe lane change and failure to signal a turn. She was released without bail pending a return to town court on Oct. 11.