Man Charged After Driving Intoxicated With His Son, 6, In Vehicle In Hampton Bays: Police

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A Port Jefferson man was arrested in Hampton Bays recently after driving while intoxicated with his 6-year-old son in the car, police said.

According to Southampton Town police, the incident took place on January 3, at the intersection of Flanders Road and Old Riverhead Road. Jeffrey Vasquez, 31, was arrested and charged with aggravated DWI, with a child less than 16 years old, one prior conviction within 10 years, a felony; DWI, previous conviction within 10 years, a felony; acting in a manner injurious to a child less than 17, a misdemeanor; and failure to use a designated lane, an infraction, police said.

An officer observed Vasquez traveling eastbound on Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays; the vehicle was observed failing to maintain its lane of travel by crossing over the white fog line several times, police said.

A traffic stop was initiated, police said. Upon approach of the vehicle the odor of an alcoholic beverage and glassy bloodshot eyes could be observed, as well as several open alcoholic containers inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, police said.

The officer noticed a child sitting in a car seat directly behind the driver's seat, police said. When Vasquez was asked if it was his son in the rear seat he replied, "Yes," police said. When asked his age he replied, "Six," police said.

Vasquez was asked to perform standard field sobriety tests, on which he performed poorly, police said.

When asked to submit to a pre-screen breath test he refused; he was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to headquarters for processing, police said.

Police contacted the child's mother to respond to the scene and take custody of their son; a police officer remained on scene with his son until the child's mother arrived to take him home, police said.

The vehicle was impounded and Vasquez refused to submit to a blood test, police said. An application for a search warrant for his blood was made and granted by the judge, police said; a sergeant responded to headquarters to draw blood, police said.