Holbrook man accused of driving drunk with 7-month-old in front seat
Deputies found a 7-month-old child in the front passenger seat who was not properly secured in the age-appropriate child safety seat required by law.
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A Holbrook man was arrested Sunday and charged under Leandra's Law after authorities say he was driving while intoxicated with a 7-month-old child in the front seat.
At about 10:45 p.m., Suffolk County deputy sheriffs observed a Dodge Ram that was allegedly unable to maintain its lane on the Long Island Expressway near Exit 65 in Patchogue.
During the traffic stop, deputies said the driver, Carlos Moncada Padilla, 44, displayed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, unsteady movements and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.
When asked how much he had consumed, Padilla allegedly told deputies he had "two beers." However, deputies reported discovering five open bottles of Modelo beer inside the truck.
Deputies also found a 7-month-old child in the front passenger seat who was not properly secured in the age-appropriate child safety seat required by law.
Padilla was arrested and charged with violating Leandra's Law along with other related offenses.
Leandra's Law is named for 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who was killed in a 2009 crash involving an intoxicated driver. The law makes it a felony to drive while intoxicated with a child passenger age 15 or younger in the vehicle.
