Two arrests — one on an off-Island warrant relating to a burglary charge and one for petit larceny — top the Shelter Island police blotter for February 21 to 27.
Arrests
Following an anonymous tip, SIPD arrested Lennart E. Wessberg, Jr., 41, of Patchogue on Tuesday, February 22, charging him with three traffic violations and turning him over to Suffolk County Police on a bench warrant relating to a burglary, according to the police report.
“A vehicle and traffic stop was conducted,” SIPD Detective/Sergeant Jack H. Thilberg said in a news release. “Upon confirming identity, the defendant was arrested. “
In addition to the bench warrant, Wessberg was charged with speeding, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, Thilberg said.
On Wednesday, February 23, Ralph R. Taragan, 79, of Shelter Island, was arrested on a charge of petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property.
Thilberg said the arrest followed an investigation of the theft of a product from a Center business. Taragan was processed, released on an appearance ticket, and directed to appear in Shelter Island Justice Court at a later date.
Accident, tickets and traffic stops
On Thursday, February 24 Sal Viviano of Shelter Island reported minor damage to the front right quarter panel of his vehicle that apparently happened at an undetermined location.
Officers stopped and ticketed these drivers:
- Carlos E. Segarra of Shirley on Monday, February 21 around 12:13 PM on North Cartwright Road for operating a motor vehicle while using a portable electronic device, and being an unlicensed operator
- Mitchell D. Rice of Shelter Island on Thursday, February 24 around 11:21 AM on Thomas Street for driving an un-inspected motor vehicle
- Eric R. Kraus of Shelter Island on Thursday, February 24 around 1:10 PM on North Ferry Road for driving an un-inspected vehicle
- Britta Steilmann of East Hampton on Sunday, February 27 around 3:42 PM on West Neck Road for failure to stop at a stop sign
Officers also issued 10 warnings to drivers during traffic stops
Detailed police blotter for February 21 to 27
Note: This post is based on information provided by the Shelter Island Police Department. Those named have not been convicted of a crime, and charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn, or they may be found not guilty.
Monday, February 21
An officer escorted a person to the North Ferry. A West Neck caller reported an injured deer; the responding officer was unable to find it.
Tuesday, February 22
An officer conducted distracted driving enforcement in the Center and observed no violations. In Silver Beach, a caller reported a dog at large; the responding animal control officer (ACO) recognized the dog and contacted the owner.
A Menantic caller reported a sick raccoon; the ACO transported it to a vet for humane euthanasia. A caller reported losing a wallet but later called back to say it had been found.
Shelter Island Fire Department volunteers (SIFD) responded to a heat alarm at a Center location; a faulty alarm caused the activation. An officer conducted distracted driving enforcement.
Wednesday, February 23
A Menantic caller reported that a truck was seen departing his property, where there’s been a history of stealing.
In the Center, a caller complained of harassment; the responding officer said the behavior did not constitute criminal harassment. An officer helped connect a driver with a flat tire to a repair service.
Thursday, February 24
A comment on an internet posting prompted a caller to complain of harassment; the responding officer said the comment did not constitute harassment at this time.
The ACO captured a sick raccoon in South Ferry Hills and transported it to a vet for humane euthanasia.
A volunteer Shelter Island Emergency Medical Services team (SIEMS) transported an aided case to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital (SB/SH) for further medical attention.
In the Center, a store owner swore out an affidavit of trespass; SIPD notified the named person to not enter the property or store.
Friday, February 25
Around 3:30 AM, an officer notified the Island’s highway departments of slippery snow-covered roadways.
SIPD assisted a driver locked out of a vehicle. SIEMS transported an aided case to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SB/ELIH). Individuals engaged in a domestic dispute agreed to separate for the night.
A Tarkettle resident arrived at SIPD headquarters to report that a satellite dish washed up on his property; the Shelter Island Highway Department removed the debris.
Saturday, February 26
In Hay Beach, a dog went missing; the ACO helped the owner search, but the dog returned on its own.
A Center caller reported a sick raccoon; it was gone when the ACO arrived. An officer secured an open door at a Ram Island residence, reported by a concerned neighbor.
An officer administered oxygen to an aided case until SIEMS arrived and transported the person to SB/SH for further evaluation. A caller reported temporary parking changes at a Shore Road location through March 20.
Sunday, February 27
An officer reviewed video footage of a previously reported incident. A Center caller filed a report about a suspicious person.
To learn more about the Shelter Island Police Department, visit its website, shelterislandtown.us/shelter-island-police-department. To report an emergency, dial 911 and provide details to the dispatcher. For non-emergency calls, reach SIPD directly at 631-749-0600. Send mail to PO Box 1056, Shelter Island NY 11964.
If you wish to register a compliment or complaint about the SIPD or one of its officers, you can find the complaint policy here and the compliment/complaint form in English at this link. While you may file a compliment or complaint anonymously, doing so means you lose the opportunity to be contacted for more information or to learn of actions taken related to your compliment or complaint. You may also submit compliments/complaints to a member of the Town Board; they serve as Shelter Island’s Police Commissioners. Report complaints of a criminal nature to the Town Attorney (631-749-0027) or the Suffolk County District Attorney (631-853-4161).
Si desea registrar un cumplido o una queja sobre el SIPD o uno de sus funcionarios, puede encontrar la política de quejas aquí y el formulario para cumplidos/quejas en español en este enlace. Si bien puede presentar un cumplido o una queja de forma anónima, hacerlo significa que pierde la oportunidad de ser contactado para obtener más información o conocer las acciones tomadas relacionadas con su cumplido o queja. Los cumplidos/quejas también se pueden enviar a los miembros de la Junta del Pueblo, quienes sirven como Comisionados de Policía de Shelter Island. Las quejas de naturaleza penal pueden presentarse al Fiscal Municipal (631-749-0027) o al Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Suffolk (631-853-4161).
