Crime & Safety

Dad Accused of Drug Use While Driving Tot

Mother also faces charges.

Suffolk County Police arrested the Huntington parents of a toddler Friday on charges of driving with a lit marijuana cigarette, with their toddler in the car.

Police gave this account:

Paul Rice was driving a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant south on Park Avenue but failed to signal a turn onto when he turned onto Maple Hill Road at about 3:40 p.m.

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He was stopped by 2nd Precinct Patrol Officer Jeffrey Michaels, who saw  a burning marijuana cigarette in the center console as well as a strong smell of burning marijuana within the vehicle. Also in the car were Alyssa Moore, 21, and their two-year-old son.

Further investigation revealed that Moore and Rice had been smoking marijuana while traveling in the car.

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Rice, 21, of 210 E. Main St., Huntington, was charged with aggravated DWI with a child passenger 15 Years old or younger (Leandra’s Law),  DWI drugs, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of marijuana 5th degree. Moore, of the same address, was charged with criminal possession of marijuana 5th degree and endangering the welfare of a child.

The child was released to relatives.

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Rice and Moore are scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Saturday.


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