A limo driver from East Islip was arraigned today on charges stemming from an alleged drunken driving incident Tuesday while he was shuttling a family to Sayville.
Police say Michael Winn, 64, picked up 30-year-old Thomas Eli, his parents, his wife and 22-month-old son at John F. Kennedy International Airport Tuesday night.
According to court records, Winn passed the family's exit on Sunrise Highway in Sayville. Eli told officers he questioned Winn, who said he was confused and had a lot on his mind.
Authorities say around 9 p.m., Winn approached an unrelated crash. At that time, highway patrol was alerted multiple times about a possible drunken driver operating a limousine.
When police tried to pull Winn over, they say he fled. Winn was eventually pulled over at the Lincoln Avenue exit of Sunrise Highway and arrested. Eli says Winn was struggling with police during the incident.
Prosecutors say two bottles of vodka were found in the front seat of the limo. They say Winn admitted to drunken driving.
Defense attorney Anthony Lapinta says no blood alcohol level results have been released, and it's too early in the investigation to know if Winn was drunk.
Winn is the owner of Crossroads Limo Service in East Islip. He is facing several charges, including felony DWI charges under Leandra's Law and resisting arrest. He was released after posting $7,500 bail.