Police Accuse 3 of Driving Under the Influence

Police made three arrests accusing drivers of taking to the road under the influence of drugs or alcohol last week.

A 25-year-old Purchase man was charged on Nov. 27 after police say he crashed into a tree and several street signs on his way home from a White Plains bar.

Police responded to the scene of the initial accident, which occurred near the intersection of Lake Street and Barnes Lane, at about 4:15 a.m. The vehicle had already left the scene, but police followed tire tracks to the driveway of 2 Merion Drive, where they found Christopher Andrade parked in the driveway.

Andrade's vehicle was damaged and Andrade had injuries to his hand and elbow. Police also reported the smell of alcohol coming from Andrade's breath.

Police say they placed Andrade under arrest for driving while intoxicated after he admitted to drinking at a White Plains bar before driving home. Police later found several damaged signs they believe Andrade hit on his way home.

Police also charged a 23-year-old Valhalla man with driving while ability impaired after they say he was caught smoking marijuana while driving his car at the intersection of Purchase Street and Barnes Lane.

Patrick Burke, of 19 Howard Ave., was pulled over at about 11 p.m. and police say they smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Police charged Burke with unlawful possession of marijuana in addition to DWAI.

He is due to appear in court on Dec. 13.

A Stamford, CT., man who police say had a blood-alcohol level twice the legal limit was charged with driving while intoxicated and drug possession on Dec. 1.

Sean Elumba, 37, of 154 Graymore Dr., was pulled over at about 5 p.m. after police say he was caught speeding on Mamaroneck Avenue. Police at the scene smelled alcohol and performed a field sobriety test.

After the test, police determined that Elumba was intoxicated and placed him under arrest for DWI. During the booking process police say they found a small amount of cocaine in Elumba's wallet.

Police say Elumba's blood-alcohol level was .16—more than twice the legal limit. He was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree.

Elumba was released on $200 cash bail and is due in Harrison Court on Dec. 13.