Law enforcement agencies across Suffolk County responded to a range of incidents this week, including DWI arrests, serious-injury crashes, enforcement operations, and ongoing investigations. The following summaries reflect confirmed activity reported by the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, Suffolk County District Attorney, and official department social media releases.
Major Incidents & Arrests
Tractor-Trailer Driver Arrested for DWI – Brentwood
Suffolk County Police arrested a tractor-trailer driver after multiple 911 callers reported the vehicle failing to maintain its lane on the eastbound Long Island Expressway west of Exit 57. Officers determined the driver, Frederic Mejia, 35, of the Bronx, was intoxicated. The truck, which was carrying grocery items and weighed approximately 80,000 pounds, was taken out of service. Mejia was charged with driving while intoxicated.
DWI Arrest Following Serious Crash – Mt. Sinai
Police arrested Timothy Neff, 35, of Mt. Sinai, after he allegedly drove at a high rate of speed, struck a tree, and overturned his vehicle on Chelsea Drive. A passenger, Stephanie Bortnowsky, 38, suffered serious injuries and was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. Neff was also hospitalized and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Motorcyclist Seriously Injured – Ronkonkoma
A 57-year-old Lake Grove man was seriously injured when he lost control of a motorcycle on Smithtown Avenue, crossed the double yellow line, and collided with an oncoming vehicle. He was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. The driver of the other vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Motorcyclist Seriously Injured – Manorville
Police are investigating a crash in which a 29-year-old motorcyclist was seriously injured when his motorcycle collided with a vehicle turning onto Weeks Avenue. The rider was transported to a local hospital with significant injuries.
Fatal Crash Under Investigation – Deer Park
A 52-year-old East Northport man died after his vehicle was found on the median against a road sign on Deer Park Avenue. Police believe the driver may have experienced a medical emergency prior to the crash.
Enforcement Activity
Massage Parlor Raids – Huntington Station
Suffolk County Police conducted enforcement operations at two separate massage parlors in Huntington Station, resulting in multiple arrests. Four women were charged with unauthorized practice of a profession and related offenses. Town of Huntington officials issued multiple code violations, and investigations into the businesses remain ongoing.
Child Exploitation Arrest – Shirley
A 24-year-old Shirley man was arrested after detectives executed a search warrant and allegedly recovered electronic devices containing images depicting sexual performances by children. The arrest followed an investigation involving the Suffolk County Police Digital Forensics Unit and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The suspect was charged with promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child.
Courts & Prosecution
Gilgo Beach Defendant Pleads Guilty
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced that Rex Heuermann pleaded guilty to seven charged murders and admitted to an additional killing in connection with the Gilgo Beach serial killings case. Prosecutors said he is expected to receive multiple consecutive sentences of life in prison without parole.
Holtsville Man Indicted in Overdose Death
A 24-year-old Holtsville man was indicted on narcotics and related charges in connection with the overdose death of a U.S. Navy veteran. Prosecutors allege the defendant sold fentanyl and cocaine to the victim and continued drug distribution following the fatal incident.
Crime Stoppers / Public Appeals
Ronkonkoma – Wallet Theft Investigation
Detectives are seeking the public’s help identifying a man who allegedly took cash and credit cards from a wallet left at Lakoma Bagel & Deli on Pond Road.
Coram – Criminal Mischief Investigation
Police are asking for assistance identifying a suspect accused of breaking into a shed at a Route 112 business and stealing a leaf blower valued at approximately $400.
Islandia – Retail Theft Investigation
Crime Stoppers issued an alert seeking help identifying a suspect accused of stealing a paintball gun from a retail store on Veterans Memorial Highway.
Missing Persons
Wyandanch – Teen Reported MissingSuffolk County Police are seeking the public’s help in locating Jaydon Baldwin, 17, who was last seen leaving his home on Lincoln Avenue. Baldwin is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Suffolk County Police.
Elwood – Man Reported MissingPolice are asking for assistance in locating Joseph Competiello, 55, who was last seen at his home on Remsen Street at approximately 8:30 a.m. Competiello is described as weighing about 160 pounds with a shaved head and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.