A rescue at sea by a North Ferry crew tops the police blotter for April 14 to 20, a week with no reports of calls for Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services (SIEMS) teams.
Around 8PM a report was received that a man had fallen overboard from a private vessel and was rescued by a North Ferry crew. “Upon further investigation it was determine that the subject had fallen off his small vessel after hitting a wake on his way back to Greenport,” the police report said. “He was subsequently spotted and rescued by North Ferry crew.”
The man, reported to be a 25-year-old Greenport resident, was in the water for about four or five minutes and did not require medical treatment, the police report said.
COVID-19 note
For the first time in many weeks, there were no calls for SIEMS assistance. Shelter Island Police Chief James Read noted at the Town’s twice weekly emergency update Tuesday that no one in need of medical assistance should be fearful of calling for help.
“If people have a medical need or a medical emergency, they should absolutely call the police department and the EMS,” Read said. “Our EMS group is clearly prepared for this. We have PPE in place, we’re not short on any supplies. So if you have a concern and you need to see a doctor or an emergency room, please call us immediately.”
“We’ll take really good care of you and get you where you need to be.”
As of this report, there were eight confirmed cases of coronavirus on Shelter Island, including two people who have died and one case that has resolved. All first responders, including EMS volunteers, have received guidance and training on how to handle calls should COVID-19 be suspected.
In medical emergencies, residents should call 911 and give the dispatcher their location and any pertinent information. If there is no medical emergency, but you are concerned you may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus or are experiencing symptoms, call Suffolk County’s 311 information center.
Chief Read has posted this Q & A to help residents better understand the symptoms of COVID-19.
Read, who serves as Shelter Island’s emergency manager, has also suggested that residents sign up for the CodeRED system so they will be contacted in the event of an emergency. You can also sign up for notifications from Suffolk County’s SMART911 system.
Detailed police blotter for April 14 to 20
Note: The Shelter Island Police Department provides a blotter report to local media on Tuesdays. This post is based on information in that report, listed by day. Those named have not been convicted of a crime and charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found not guilty.
Tuesday, April 14
Shortly before 5AM, a Heights caller reported seeing flashing lights coming from a nearby location; the responding officer found a malfunctioning spotlight, removed the bulb and notified the property owner. Around 8:30AM dispatchers notified police of a fire alarm call from a Ram Island residence. Upon arrival, the owner said he was experiencing problems with the system and the officer called off a response from the Shelter Island Fire Department (SIFD).
A Center caller found a wandering dog; the responding officer returned it to its owner along with information about local regulations pertaining to dogs.
A Hay Beach caller reported that a day earlier someone had left a note on her front door stating that he was seeking work a her landscaping company. The responding officer said the matter wasn’t a police issue, but spoke with the person who’d left the note and advised him to refrain from entering private property. The man apologized, saying he had no intent to alarm anyone.
On Silver Beach, a caller reported a person was walked along his property line and onto his dock; the responding officer found no sign of criminal activity at the residence and canvassed the area with negative results. Later, an officer assisted a woman who was locked out of her vehicle in South Ferry Hills.
Wednesday, April 15
A caller reported for informational purposes a dispute between siblings about access to a family home. An officer followed up on a call about wires down on a West Neck driveway, advising the caller to notified the cable and telephone companies for repairs.
A Center caller reported encountering loose dogs on a beach that did not appear to be under their owner’s control. The responding officer notified the dog owner, who said the dogs were under his control, but that he would avoid brining the dogs back to the location in the future.
Officers participated in a training webinar.
Thursday, April 16
A Center caller reported a possible violation of COVID-19 non-essential work guidelines; the responding officer found a homeowner who had workers clearing storm debris. They were wearing masks and practicing social distancing. In the Shorewood area, an officer deployed cones where a limb was dangling on a wire; PSEG was notified to make repairs.
A Menantic caller reported a dog at large; the responding officer picked up the dog, which had no tags and no microchip. The owner called looking for the dog and the two were reunited.
Friday, April 17
In Silver Beach, police responded to what proved to be a false burglary alarm; the caretake was on the scene. An officer responded to a civil issue, advising a person not to return another’s residence and to consult an attorney. A Center caller reported a downed tree on PSEG wires; the officer notified the utility to make repairs.
Just before 4PM, a caller reported two men playing golf at Shelter Island Country Club in violation of the governor’s executive order; they agreed to leave. A short while later, New York State issued new guidance clarifying that while golf courses remain closed for business, golfers may play so long as they adhere to social distancing measures. (Read more in this Gazette post).
A Height caller reported seeing an open door; the responding officer found no sign of criminal activity and secured the door.
Saturday, April 18
A Center caller reported an injured woodchuck; by the time the responding officer arrived, the animal had died.
A man reported to police that his license was still listed on the DMV website as suspended, even though he’d cleared suspensions with Sag Harbor Justice Court; the responding officer said the license was indeed still listed as suspended and advised the person not to drive.
Sunday, April 19
A caller reported he’d seen a neighbor place a doll’s head on the public gates leading into the Longview neighborhood and that he found it to be in poor taste and wanted it removed. The responding officers were unable to reach the neighbor.
Monday, April 20
An officer and EMS volunteers assisted a caller in assisting a person up a flight of stairs. An iPhone that went missing on Ram Island was found and returned to its owner. A Center caller reported seeing someone placing household trash in a Shelter Island garbage can; the responding officer spoke with and issued a verbal warning to the alleged offender.
In Silver Beach, three people who walked onto a private dock to watch the sunset were issued a verbal warning after the property owner called the police.
During the week, officers also completed various administrative duties.