Police: Suffolk County Legislator-elect Catherine Stark charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs

Police say it happened around 2:30 p.m. in the area of Pondview Road.

News 12 Staff

Dec 4, 2023, 3:33 AM

Updated 235 days ago

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Suffolk County Legislator-elect Catherine Stark was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs on Sunday in Riverhead, according to police.
Police say it happened around 2:30 p.m. in the area of Pondview Road.
Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar told News 12 a 911 caller reported the incident to police.
In a statement, Aguiar said, "We should all be mindful that anytime there's an arrest there's a due process system. All evidence will be presented to the DA for him to make a judgment on the matter."
Stark, 60, was taken to police headquarters and held for arraignment.
Stark's attorney issued the following statement to News 12: “Catherine Stark courageously has been battling cancer, a condition that she has chosen until now to keep private.  This incident occurred when she unfortunately went to a store hours after taking her medication. There was no alcohol or illegal substances involved, and a test volunteered to by Ms. Stark showed this. A blood test, also voluntarily given by Ms. Stark, will conclusively prove this. All medication taken by Ms. Stark to assist in her fight against this disease has been prescribed by her Oncologist. She looks forward to a quick resolution of this incident, including relevant circumstances regarding her treatment, before the Court in a responsible and respectful manner.”
Stark, a Republican, defeated Democrat Catherine Kent in the November election.


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