A Riverhead woman was arrested Sunday after police said she drove at high speed toward the Polish Festival, maneuvered around police vehicles and traffic-control devices blocking the roadway and struck a marked police vehicle.
Blanca Jimenez-Tapia, 34, was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment, third-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle and multiple state Vehicle and Traffic Law violations, Riverhead Town Police said. She was released on an appearance ticket for a future court date.
The incident began at about 10:26 a.m. Sunday when a Riverhead traffic control officer assigned to the Polish Festival saw a woman driving a Hyundai sedan erratically, police said. The officer saw the Hyundai strike a parked vehicle on Sweezy Avenue and then attempt to leave the area.
Police said the Hyundai struck a second vehicle as the traffic control officer approached. The officer tried to get the driver to stop, but she sped away northbound toward Osborn Avenue and the officer alerted uniformed police assigned to the festival.
A short time later, officers saw the Hyundai traveling southbound on Osborn Avenue at high speed toward the festival area, which had been closed to vehicle traffic because of the large number of pedestrians, police said.
Officers attempted to stop the Hyundai, but the driver went around marked police vehicles, officers and traffic-control devices blocking the road, according to police.
Police said an officer driving a marked patrol vehicle moved to intercept the Hyundai because of the immediate threat to pedestrians in its path. The Hyundai struck the police vehicle and became disabled, bringing it to a stop.
Jimenez-Tapia was taken into custody at the scene and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the collision, police said.
The officer was evaluated at the scene for injuries police described as non-life-threatening and was taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where the officer was treated and released.
Police are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to call the Riverhead Town Police Department at 631-727-4500.
Editor’s note: A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
