Police: Woman arrested for DWI, collision with 4-month-old in car

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An Amityville woman was arrested for DWI under Leandra’s Law on Oct. 3 at 7:23 p.m. in Wantagh, according to Nassau County police.

Margareth Mendoza, 36, of Offaly Street, was arrested for alleged driving while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle, police say. The 4-month-old was Mendoza’s child. Officers responded to the incident, which was reported by an employee of Rite Aid on Merrick Road.

According to police, officers located Mendoza’s black 2002 Honda Accord a short distance away from the Rite Aid, traveling westbound on Sunrise Highway. The responding officers then activated their emergency lights and conducted a Vehicle and Traffic Law Stop for failing to signal at the intersection of Beech Street, police said.

Officials said Mendoza had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and strong odor of alcohol on her breath.

Police investigated and discovered that the defendant had left the scene of a collision with a 2015 Toyota Camry, authorities said. The passengers of the Toyota, male, 25, and female, 29, were not injured, according to police. Mendoza was then arrested without incident.

Mendoza was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated (with a child under 16 under the Leandra's Law), endangering the welfare of a child and multiple traffic infractions, police said.

Mendoza was to be arraigned Oct. 4 in First District Court in Hempstead.