A Hempstead man was arrested in Wantagh after police said he drove while intoxicated with three children, including a 5-year-old, inside his vehicle.
Rafael Melgar, 50, was driving a gray 2009 Honda SUV near Ocean Parkway and the Wantagh Parkway at about 6:50 p.m. Saturday, July 4, when officers saw him commit a traffic violation, Nassau County police said.
Officers stopped the SUV and allegedly observed that Melgar had glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol. Police said a field sobriety test indicated impairment, and he was arrested without incident.
Three passengers, ages 15, 13 and 5, were inside the vehicle during the traffic stop, according to police. The children were safely released to a family member.
No injuries were reported.
Melgar was charged with three counts of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child under 16 under Leandra’s Law, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and driving while intoxicated.
He also faces a charge related to operating a vehicle with an elevated blood alcohol content and multiple traffic violations.
Melgar was scheduled to be arraigned Sunday, July 5, at First District Court in Hempstead.
