The Public Information Office reports the arrest of a Hempstead man for Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Leandra’s Law) on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 6:50 pm in Wantagh.

According to Police, officers observed a gray 2009 Honda SUV commit a vehicle and traffic law infraction while traveling in the vicinity of Ocean Parkway and Wantagh Parkway. Officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a Vehicle Traffic Law (VTL) stop. The operator of the vehicle, defendant Rafael Melgar, 50, of 600 Fulton Ave, had glassy eyes and had an odor of alcohol emanating from his breathe. A Standard Field Sobriety Test was conducted resulting in positive results and Defendant Rafael Melgar was placed under arrest without incident. No injuries reported at scene. The vehicles 15-year-old, 13-year-old and 5-year-old passengers were safely released into the custody of a family member.

Defendant Rafael Melgar is charged with three counts of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated (Child Under 16) under Leandra’s Law, three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Driving While Intoxicated, Operating a Motor Vehicle with BAC of more than 1% and multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law infractions. He will be arraigned on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at First District Court, located at 99 Main Street, Hempstead.