Man Driving Recklessly Accused Of Operating Vehicle While Impaired By Drugs: PD

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A Bellport man was arrested after driving "recklessly" in Hampton Bays on Sunday, police said.

According to Southampton Town police, the incident took place at 7:49 p.m. when a driver was seen traveling at a high rate of speed and violating multiple vehicle and traffic laws while heading eastbound on Montauk Highway.

A Southampton Town police officer attempted to stop the driver; however he accelerated even more and began operating "recklessly, almost striking other vehicles," police said.

The driver continued to flee and was eventually stopped by Southampton Town police, authorities said.

The driver, Raymond SantiagoCruz, 35, was arrested and transported to Southampton Town police headquarters for arrest processing, authorities said.

During the investigation it was determined that SantiagoCruz was operating the vehicle while impaired by drugs, police said.

He was charged with one count of reckless driving, one count of unlawful fleeing of a police officer, and one count of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, all misdemeanors, police said. He was also charged with multiple violations of the vehicle and traffic law, police siad.

SantiagoCruz was held overnight to appear in Southampton Town Justice Court for morning arraignment, police said.