A Greenport resident with a suspended license and no insurance was arrested Monday morning on Shelter Island for several vehicle and traffic violations, Shelter Island Police said.

Police stopped Rafael G. Azama, 30, for speeding on North Ferry Road around 10:30 a.m. Monday. Police charged him with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, aggravated unlicensed operation and operating with improper plates, to go along with the speeding and no insurance charges.

Mr. Azama’s vehicle was impounded and he was released on $100 bail to appear in Shelter Island Town Justice Court at a later date, police said.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | It was a quiet week for the Shelter Island Police Department.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Rafael G. Azama, 30, of Greenport was driving on North Ferry Road on Monday, February 4 when he was stopped by police for speeding. A computer check showed he was driving with a suspended license. He was arrested at about 10:30 a.m. and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, driving without proper plates and without insurance, and operating an unregistered vehicle.

Mr. Azama’s vehicle was impounded; he was released on station house bail of $100 and instructed to appear in Shelter Island Justice Court at a later date.

SUMMONSES

Elliott E. Williams, 28, of East Hampton was ticketed on Smith Street on January 30 for failure to stop at a stop sign.
On January 31, Beth Santillo, 36, of Cutchogue was given a summons on North Menantic Road for driving while using a “portable electronic device.”

ACCIDENTS
While driving eastbound on Burns Road on January 28, Blaize A. Zabel swerved off the roadway and hit a hedge. Following a police investigation, Mr. Zabel, 23, was issued a summons for leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage. Additional damage to the front end of the vehicle was estimated at over $1,000.

David V. Davignon of Shelter Island reported that while he was driving southbound on Ram Island Road on January 30, a passing motorist’s vehicle in the opposite lane kicked up a rock, damaging the caller’s windshield. Damage was estimated at under $1,000.

George E. Butts of Shelter Island told police he had driven through a road closure barrier on February 1, causing minor damage (under $1,000) to the front grill and headlight of his vehicle.

OTHER REPORTS

A caller reported an open burning in the Center on January 29. Police advised the person involved that a burn permit from the Fire Department was required. The fire was extinguished.

Responding to a call on January 30, police checked on the well-being of an individual.

On January 30, a caller reported people on a Center property; the report was unfounded. Police responded to a second call on February 3.

Police assisted the landlord of a Center property in contacting a tenant on January 30.

More than a half dozen trees, tree limbs and wires were reported down at various Island locations on January 31.

A tree fell on a Center resident’s roof, causing a large hole and damage to the roof.

Deer fencing was blown away at a Longview residence and located in a sideyard.

A floating dock broke free and was reported on a Menantic resident’s beach on the same date. A large tree was reported to LIPA and the road closed until the next day.

Power failures were also reported on February 1.

Two police officers assisted with the PARP program at the school on February 1 — reading to kindergarten and first graders.

On February 1, police investigated damage possibly done on purpose to a truck. Following a repair shop report, no criminal act was noted.

On February 3, the Town, Heights and Dering Harbor Highway Departments were notified of snowy road conditions.

A caller requested information on February 3 regarding the guidelines for nuisance hunting at Gardiner’s Bay Country Club. Police advised about the dates and times of day that hunters are authorized to hunt. No violations were reported but the caller had concerns about the guidelines and was advised to contact the Town Board.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm at a Ram Island residence on January 30. Floors were being sanded and that triggered the alarm. A medical alert was set off accidentally at a Center residence on February 2.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported two individuals to Eastern Long Island Hospital on January 29 and February 2.

BELLE CREST INN FILE PHOTO

The Shelter Island Fire Department worked for nearly two hours Wednesday night to extinguish a fire at the historic Belle Crest Inn, fire officials said.

The fire erupted shortly after 9:30 p.m. at the historic structure, which was built along North Ferry Road in the early 1900s.

The fire was reported by a passerby, who stopped his vehicle and helped rescue the two occupants of the building, Shelter Island Police said.

Both the Greenport and Sag Harbor fire departments were called to assist after the fire was still not fully contained an hour later, officials said.

Officials determined the cause of the fire, which was finally extinguished about 11:15 p.m., to be non-criminal. The blaze was the result of a “compromised brick and mortar chimney,” causing “extensive damage,” police said,

One firefighter was transported to Eastern Long Island Hospital for treatment of a minor burn injury, police said.

gparpan@timesreview.com

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Police reported on events in the first week of 2013.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

SUMMONSES

Three motorists were stopped on South Ferry Road on December 28 and each was ticketed for driving while using a cellphone without a hands-free device: Douglas J. Dinizio, 49, of Greenport, Cynthia A. Roe, 53, of Greenport; and Edward L. Smyth, 64, of Shelter Island.

On January 3, Carmela Vicente de Elias, 33, of Greenport was stopped on Clinton Avenue and given two summonses: failure to keep to the right on North Ferry Road and unlicensed operation.

ACCIDENTS

On December 29, Elizabeth L. Kontje told police she was driving southbound on North Ferry Road on December 28 when a sneezing fit caused her to jerk the wheel and collide with the Police Department trailer/speed sign. There was minor (under $1,000) damage to the sign and right front of the vehicle.

Janina K. Speece of Shelter Island reported on January 2 that while her vehicle was parked in the Presbyterian Church lot, an unknown vehicle hit hers, causing damage under $1,000 to the driver’s-side door and passenger door.

Ian Weslek of Shelter Island reported on January 4 that a deer ran into the passenger-side of his vehicle on Manhanset Road on January 3, causing more than $1,000 in damage to the front and rear doors. The deer ran off.

OTHER REPORTS

Police on patrol reported graffiti at Sunset Beach on December 28.

A tree split at the base was reported creating a hazardous condition in the Center on December 28. The caller was informed that the tree had been scheduled for removal with LIPA’s assistance.

On December 28 police investigated a report of smoke and found a small fire burning clean wood in a container used for warmth for men working outdoors. The fire chiefs were notified; no problems were noted.

A Hay Beach caller told police on December 28 that there were gunshots in the area. Another person in the vicinity reported hearing sounds like bottle rockets.

On December 29, hunters were reported on a property posted for no trespassing. Police located the hunters and advised them to leave.

A caller reported finding an English bulldog at large; the owner called Police Headquarters and retrieved the dog.

The highway staff of the town, Heights and Village of Dering Harbor were notified about snow-covered roads on December 29.

On December 30 and January 3, three injured deer in West Neck, South Ferry Hills and the Center had to be put down by police.

Police investigated a case of harassment in the Center on December 31.

Police secured a barn door in the Center after receiving a call on December 31.

A caller told police on January 1 that people were dumping trash at the gate to the Recycling Center, which was closed on New Year’s Day. Police found a pile of trash and observed others attempting to leave trash there; one person was advised to return what had already been deposited.

A dog at large was reported in the Center on January 2; it was gone on arrival.

On January 3, a South Ferry foot passenger turned into police some items “accidentally picked up” on a ferry crossing the previous day.

Police reported a case to Child Protective Services for its review on January 3.

On January 5, a Silver Beach caller asked police how close duck hunters could be to a residence while shooting. Police verified with the state DEC that hunting is legal if the hunters are shooting over water and there are no houses within 500 feet in the direction of the shooting. No violations were noted.

A caller reported a vehicle on the beach in Hay Beach on January 5. The occupants were interviewed. They said they were skeet shooting; they had a valid beach driving permit.

Police investigated a case involving the well-being of a child on January 5.

A vehicle was reported swerving on a Center roadway on January 5; the driver was located and passed a field sobriety test.

Three burglary alarms were activated on December 30 and January 5 and 6 at the Shelter Island Historical Society and residences in Menantic and Silver Beach. A storm door blown open by the wind may have caused the alarm to go off at the Historical Society; a door not closed properly could have set off the Silver Beach alarm. No criminal activity was noted in any of the locations.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to two fire alarms — one at La Maison Blanche on December 30 and the second at a home in Shorewood on January 5. Both were false alarms.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported six people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on December 28 and 29 and January 3, 4 and 5.

GRANT PARPAN PHOTO | The end of the Long Island Expressway at exit 73 in Riverhead on Sunday afternoon.

Suffolk County police have set up a hotline for drivers who abandoned their vehicles on the Long Island Expressway during Friday night’s blizzard.

Police ask motorists who left their vehicles on the highway during the storm to call 631-904-3050 for information.

The Long Island Expressway will be closed in both directions from exits 73 to 57 for most of Sunday, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

The closure remains in effect for the purpose of snow removal until at least 9 p.m. Sunday, police said.

AMBROSE CLANCY PHOTO | Shelter Island was thawing out early Monday after nor’easter Nemo.

Chiefs of Shelter Island’s fire and police departments and the highway superintendent all reported no emergencies or major incidents in the aftermath of nor’easter Nemo.

Police Chief Jim Read reported no incidents except an aided case taking a LIPA crewmember to Eastern Long Island Hospital. “Nothing major, a slip-and-fall,” Chief Read said.

Sergeant James Cronin said early Monday that Sunday night and Monday morning there were no police emergencies or incidents. The main concern now was motorists driving in the increasingly icy conditions.

The only major call came Friday night for the Shelter Island Fire Department, Chief John D’Amato said. A live wire was down in Cobbetts lane and had to be de-energized, the chief said.

Other than that there were a couple of automatic alarms that went off over night Sunday that turned out to be false, he said.

All roads were passable by Saturday afternoon, and except for some hard-packed icy patches in shaded areas of the Island, it was good news, said Highway Department Superintendent Jay Card Jr.

“We’ll continue to salt and sand the icy patches,” Mr. Card said about the department’s duties Monday.

Late Friday after getting most of the roads in passable shape, a foot of snow fell on the Island, Mr. Card said. One of the major problems was the weight of snow bringing stands of bamboo into streets and roads that had to be cleared away before snow could be removed.

There was no disruption of ferry service over the weekend.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

ACCIDENTS
Gary J. Gerth of Wantagh was traveling southbound on Manhanset Road on February 18 when a deer ran out in front of his vehicle. There was no damage reported to the vehicle; the deer was killed in the accident.

OTHER REPORTS
Police and the Shelter Island Fire Department responded to an arcing wire in the Center on February 12.

A case of criminal mischief was reported on February 13 when a vehicle was driven onto the Gardiner’s Bay Country Club golf course, causing more than $250 in damage.

On February 13, a caller reported water leaking from the rear of a Center residence. Police responded and shut off the water.

A caller complained on February 13 that a window in the back of his Center residence had been broken.

Police on patrol noticed an open door at a Ram Island residence on February 13. The door had been left ajar by a painting crew and was secured by police.

Police notified the highway departments of the town, Village of Dering Harbor and the Heights about snow accumulation on town roadways on February 14 and 17.

On February 14, police advised the parties involved in a delivery dispute that the case was civil in nature.

A pit bull mix was reported at large in the Center on February 14; the dog was gone when police responded.

An incident reported to police on February 14 took place in Southampton and the complainant was referred to that jurisdiction for follow-up.

A Center resident reported unknown persons on the property on February 15; no one was found at the location.

Police on patrol noticed a “suspicious” vehicle parked in Shorewood on February 15; the area was searched with negative results.

Police were requested to check on a person’s welfare on February 15; there was no indication of mistreatment or neglect.

The Shelter Island Fire Department was called out for a mulch pile on fire in the Center on February 15. The fire chief requested that the Highway Department’s pay loader be used to pull the smoldering mulch apart.

An open door at a Shorewood residence was reported on February 15. Police responded and found no sign of any criminal activity.

A caller reported an electrical smell inside a Ram Island residence on February 16. The SIFD responded and found that an outdoor receptacle had burned up.

An injured seagull was reported in the Center on February 16; Wild Life Rescue in Hampton Bays was notified.

A caller reported hearing gun shots in the Center on February 16; police located the hunter, who was hunting legally.

A Center caller reported hearing noise outside the residence on February 18. Police responded and noted that the noise may have been caused by high winds.

Black ice was reported on two Cartwright roadways on February 18.

On February 18, a Hay Beach caller was unable to gain entry through the front door of the house; police entered the house through a second floor window and opened a sliding door in the back. The front door latch appeared to be broken.

A burglary alarm was set off by accident at a Heights residence on February 16.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported four individuals to Eastern Long Island Hospital on February 12, 13, 14 and 18.

A person was medivaced by Suffolk County Police helicopter from Wades Beach to Stony Brook University Hospital on February 16.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

The Shelter Island Police Department reported that about 3:10 p.m.  Saturday a 17-year-old male was arrested and charged with menacing in the second degree. If convicted, this can lead to a year in jail.

According to police, the youth threatened a family member with a knife.

He was arraigned in Justice Court Friday and released on $1,000 bail.

An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim, according to police reports.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Following a police investigation, Angelo J. Giordanella, 18, of Islip Terrace was arrested on Thursday, February 21 at about 7 a.m. at police headquarters and charged with criminal mischief in the 4th degree. He was released on station house bail of $200 and instructed to return to Shelter Island Justice Court at a later date.

On Friday, February 22 at about 2:45 p.m., Jeffrey Starzee, 47, of Shelter Island was arrested and charged with sexual abuse in the 3rd degree and endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest was the result of an investigation into allegations involving a female under 17 years of age. The defendant surrendered at police headquarters, was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court and released on cash bail of $1,250. He was directed to return to court at a later date. The court issued an order of protection against Mr. Starzee.

A 17-year-old Shelter Island male was arrested on Saturday, February 23 at about 3:10 p.m. and charged with menacing in the 2nd degree. He allegedly threatened a family member with a knife. He was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court and released on $1,000 bail. An order of protection was issued against him.

Accidents

Heather Lee of Shelter Island was driving northbound on North Ferry Road on February 23 when she made a left-hand turn into the parking lot at 57 North Ferry Road. She did not see Zachary J. Starzee of Shelter Island, who was driving southbound on 114, and collided with his vehicle, causing over $1,000 in damage to the front of her vehicle and the driver’s-side front of Mr. Starzee’s.

Other reports

A caller reported on February 19 that a vehicle was parked in front of a Center residence for more than two hours. Police located the owner who said the vehicle had broken down and he was waiting for a part. The vehicle was parked legally.

On February 20, police followed up on nuisance telephone calls.

On February 20, a Center caller reported a suspicious vehicle in front of the residence; the driver was looking at the property. The same vehicle had been there before. Police located the driver. No crime had been committed at that time; the complainant was advised to call police if the activity continued.

Police responded to a domestic dispute in the Center on February 20.

On February 21, a Heights caller reported that a person was “verbally aggressive” about a package delivered to a post office in Southampton, rather than the correct P.O. box on Shelter Island —and with contents missing. The person was advised to contact the Southampton Police Department regarding the larceny and to “refrain from further harassing conduct.”

On February 21, police documented a case, civil in nature, for the courts.

An injured deer was reported on a Center property on February 23; it was gone when police arrived.

A vehicle was reported parked in a driveway at a Center location on February 23; police spoke to the owner.

On February 25, police investigated a landlord/tenant dispute in West Neck.

Shelter Island responded to a request from Southold police on February 25 regarding a missing person from the Peconic area who might be visiting Shelter Island.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to three automatic fire alarms at residences in Silver Beach and West Neck on February 19 and 20. Sanding on the premises set off the Silver Beach alarm; there was no fire at one West Neck location and a false alarm at the second.

Police were unable to determine the cause of a residential burglary alarm in Silver Beach on February 23. The doors and windows were all secure.

Aided cases

Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported five individuals to Eastern Long Island Hospital on February 20, 21, 22, 24 and 25.

Ashley Murray, 16, has been missing since Monday.

Update (4 p.m. Friday):  Southold Town police on Friday updated the media on its efforts to locate missing teenager Ashley Murray of Peconic. Police acknowledged Ashley may have left her home “with intentions of harming herself,” something authorities had not stated publicly before.

Investigators said they’ve interviewed over 30 family, friends, acquaintances and “concerned citizens” throughout New York State, and searched more than 25 “geographical areas of interest in Southold Town alone.”

Southold Town police are working with several other agencies, including the FBI, state police, Suffolk County Police Department, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Shelter Island Police Department, according to the release.

Police “are committed to continue this extensive investigation and have always encouraged all members of the public to contact our department with any information as to Ashley Murray’s whereabouts.”

Police can be contacted at (631) 765-2600.

THURSDAY COVERAGE:

Before Brianne Catapano and Rachael Hornstein met up Thursday afternoon across the street from their high school, the two Southold natives had been only acquaintances.

Within a few hours though, a common interest brought them closer: They both want to find their friend, Ashley Murray, a native of Shelter Island.

The pair joined dozens of others Thursday, spending the afternoon handing out fliers across the North Fork, hoping to raise awareness of Ashley’s disappearance. The 16-year-old from Peconic has been missing since 8 a.m. Monday, according to Southold Town Police.

Ashley’s mother, Charlotte Murray, learned her daughter was missing after receiving a call from school officials. She later found a note from her daughter, which she called a “suicide note” and said it made reference to a “watery grave.”

POLICE RESPONSE

Law enforcement officials are expected to hold a press briefing Friday to report the steps they’ve taken since Ashley’s disappearance, which Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley said includes calling in the FBI and personality profilers.

Southold Police initially employed a marine patrol, its canine unit and a Suffolk County Police helicopter to perform a physical search Monday morning, but later focused their investigation on the possibility that she may have left the area. They then ended the active local search Monday afternoon and began to concentrate on examining phone and computer records, and interviewing close friends and family, police said.

Police did not release an official missing person report until Wednesday morning, more than 50 hours after Ashley’s disappearance. Law enforcement officials said Ashley’s case does not fit criteria for an “Amber Alert,” since she is not believed to have been abducted.

FRIENDS SEARCH

The lack of an Amber Alert did not stop local residents from conducting their own searches and using social media to reach thousands of concerned web surfers from across the country.

“I want her to come home,” Rachael said as she walked down Front Street in Greenport, holding a stack of fliers.

“We all do,” said Ms. Catapano, who scheduled a search party Thursday to find her friend of four years. She organized the event through her Facebook page “Ashley Come Home,” which was followed by over 2,400 Facebook users as of Thursday night.

More than 40 local residents met across the street from Southold High School to participate in the search. Ms. Catapano originally wanted the group of volunteers to search under bridges and along the waterfront, but those plans were altered after Southold Town police asked that they focus their efforts on handing out fliers instead.

Ms. Catapano told the crowd that police feared a search party could contaminate evidence. She then asked them to break into groups and hand out fliers from Riverhead to Orient.

“We just want to spread as many fliers around and make sure her face is known so if anyone has recognized her they can come forward,” Ms. Catapano said.

The last time she spoke to Ashley, who is a sophomore at Southold High School, was about a week ago and she said they planned to hang out this week.

“It’s been very hard,” Ms. Catapano said. “I haven’t gotten much sleep.”

Ashley is 5-foot 4-inches and 140 pounds with reddish-brown hair and blue eyes, her mother, Charlotte Murray, said. She was last seen wearing red sweatpants “four sizes too big,” black boots and a zip-up sweatshirt with a hood. Police added that she has a scar on her right wrist and wears hearing aids in both ears.

Ms. Catapano and several of Ashley’s friends and classmates have said Ashley, who they say was bisexual, was often bullied in school because of her sexual orientation.

“People knew she was depressed and still made fun of her,” Ms. Catapano said. “It’s very sad.”

Cora Small, 14, said she decided to join the volunteer effort because she misses her friend who helped her fit in at school.

“She’s nice and accepts people for who they are,” Cora said. “This just crushes me.”

SCHOOLS REACT

Superintendent David Gamberg said some of Ashley’s friends who attend school in Greenport received suicidal text messages from her Monday morning. Those students notified their school social worker, he said, who then contacted a social worker at Southold High School. Mr. Gamberg said the district then immediately contacted the Southold Town Police Department and has been cooperating with police since the investigation began.

Greenport High School principal Leonard Skuggevik said Thursday the district is “incredibly proud” of its students and staff’s quick response.

“They are currently organizing their ideas to assist in the search and we are talking with the Southold Police Department to ensure each idea will be helpful and not harmful to their investigation,” he said.

In December, Greenport schools hosted Todd Lauderdale of the national anti-bullying program “Rachel’s Challenge,” which is based on the writings of 17-year-old Rachel Scott, the first student killed during the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in Colorado.

Following his presentation, Mr. Lauderdale helped the district form a student group that pledged to surround themselves with positive role models and become kinder to their peers — especially special needs, new and picked-on students — in an effort to deter bullying.

In an interview with The Suffolk Times Thursday, Mr. Lauderdale said he was pleased with how Greenport students handled the situation by notifying school officials and described Ashley’s disappearance as “tragic.”

“These are the very things we’re trying to combat and prevent from happening,” he said.

Mr. Lauderdale said while his group promotes proactive anti-bullying steps in schools, it also encourages students to seek help if they are in need.

“If kids are struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression or feeling isolated, counseling through the school or independent professional help is crucially needed,” he said.

Mr. Gamberg said this week that Southold High School has been encouraging students to speak with counselors since Ashley’s disappearance.

FATHER’S PREVIOUS ARREST

Ashley lives in Peconic with her mother and her older brother. She has been estranged from her father, Kenneth Payne of Shelter Island, since she was an infant, according to a 2004 New York Times story. Mr. Payne served six years in prison for the 1998 shooting death of his neighbor, Curtis Cook, court records show. Ashley was 18 months old at the time of the shooting.

Mr. Cook, a long time friend of Mr. Payne’s, had been arrested two weeks before his death and charged with sodomizing an 8-year-old girl, the New York Times reported. Mr. Payne told investigators at the time that Mr. Cook had threatened Ashley and her mother on the night he was killed, court records show. Mr. Payne was later acquitted following an appeal.

Ms. Murray won a court battle over the custody of Ashley after her father was released from prison, according to state records.

jennifer@timesreview.com

With Grant Parpan, Paul Squire and Tim Kelly

The family of Ashley Murray, a missing 16-year-old Peconic girl last seen leaving for school Monday, issued a statement Saturday thanking the public, police and media for helping in the search.

Below is the statement, unedited and in its entirety.

We would like to sincerely thank the community and everyone involved in the efforts to find Ashley and return her safely, and also those who have taken up the heart-felt tasks of supporting the family during this difficult time.

We also appreciate all News Reporters, News Teams and informants for their help and would like to extend both our genuine thanks for helping to spread the word in our search for Ashley, as well as our request for privacy at this point. We also would like to thank the Police and Authorities for all their efforts and continuing support and, God willing, to a quick and happy resolution to this matter.

Ashley is 5-foot, 4-inches tall and 140 pounds with reddish-brown hair and blue eyes. She has a scar on her right wrist and uses hearing aids in both ears. She was last seen wearing a black and gray hooded sweatshirt, read sweatpants and black boots.

Anyone with information should contact Southold police at (631) 765-2600. Information will remain confidential.

Click here for additional news coverage and information.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Police Headquarters.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

As a result of a complaint, police arrested a male juvenile, age 17, of Shelter Island at about 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26. The charge was harassment in the 2nd degree. The youth was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court, Judge Mary-Faith Westervelt presiding. Prior bail was continued and an order of protection was issued.

Summonses
Dilshad Khan, 53, of Selden was driving on South Ferry Road on February 26 when he was stopped by police and issued a ticket for speeding — 56 mph in a 40-mph zone.
other reports

A caller complained on February 26 about a vehicle parked on a Hay Beach driveway, “blasting” music at 7:15 a.m. Police located the driver who said he was trying to contact the resident about work. He was advised to use a business phone number.

Police responded to a case of harassment in the Center on February 26.

A grand larceny was reported to police at headquarters on February 26.

A caller reported on February 26 that three sections of a fence had been damaged during excavation on a neighboring property. The business owner advised police he will repair the fence.

A caller asked police for help on February 26 in removing a raccoon from a Menantic garage. The raccoon was gone when police arrived.

Police responded to a request from the Southold Police Department on February 27 to check on the well-being of a Shelter Island resident.

Police responded to a business dispute in the Center on February 27.

A case of petit larceny — unauthorized charges on a credit card — was reported on February 28.

An extra patrol was requested on March 1 by a Dering Harbor resident as a result of an on-going dock dispute.

On March 1, police responded to unwanted telephone calls reported by a Menantic resident; the caller was advised to cease and desist.

A person reported on March 1 that while driving along the Shelter Island Country Club golf course, a golf ball hit the windshield, damaging it. Police located a golfer who said he had hit a ball that had gone into the road.

Police received an anonymous call on March 1 that a dumpster on a Hay Beach roadway was causing a hazardous condition. The driver was advised not to leave dumpsters on the road for any length of time.

A caller on March 3 reported a boat sinking in Tarkettle; the owner was advised.

Three burglary alarms were set off in West Neck and the Center on February 26 and March 4. No problems were reported in any case. The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to an automatic alarm on February 28 at a residence on Ram Island. Spray from an insulation applicator set off the alarm.

Aided cases

Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported five individuals to Eastern Long Island Hospital on February 27 and March 3 and 4.

A person was medovaced from Klenawicus Field to Stony Brook University Hospital by Suffolk County Police Department helicopter on February 28.

TIM KELLY PHOTO | Southold Police Chief Martin Flatley with missing persons experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Southold Police do not anticipate filing any criminal charges in connection with the disappearance of Peconic teenager Ashley Murray, Police Chief Martin Flatley said Monday.

Police say they know where the teen was during her absence, but the chief declined to give the location.

“She was on the East End most of the time with friends who thought they were helping her,” he said. ”I’d like to think that anyone who helped her over that time was doing it for the right reason. Do I wish it had gone differently? Absolutely, but I don’t think there was any criminal intent.”

Ashley, 16, failed to show up at Southold High School Feb. 25 and she was gone 11 days before she and an adult friend showed up at town police headquarters in Peconic Friday afternoon.

The chief said Ashley spent only one night in the hospital after turning herself in and is now in the care of another family.

“When she was being interviewed it became evident she didn’t want to be home,” the chief added.

The police will conduct a few more interviews before closing out the case, he said.

tkelly@timesreview.com

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Police Department headquarters.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Edgar Ochoa, 24, of Greenport was driving on New York Avenue on March 5 when police stopped him and issued tickets for failure to keep to the right, unlicensed operation, failure to signal, inadequate tires and speeding — 33 mph in a 25-mph zone. His vehicle was impounded.

Also on March 5, Jose A. Ayala-Merchan, 65, of East Hampton was given a summons on South Midway Road for carrying an unsecured load and for unlicensed operation.

ACCIDENTS

Herb B. Sherman Jr. of Shelter Island reported on March 11 that while on a North Ferry boat, he backed into a parked vehicle driven by Victor J. Vecchio of East Hampton. There was minor damage — a dent and scratches — to the front bumper of Mr. Vecchio’s vehicle; no damage was reported to Mr. Sherman’s.

OTHER REPORTS
Tidal flooding blocked a lane of traffic in West Neck on March 7 — two hours before high tide.

A Center caller told police on March 8 that an unknown person threw something at the house. Police found no footprints in the snow surrounding the residence or any other indication that someone had been on the property.

At 3 a.m. on March 8, Highway departments in the Center, the Heights and Dering Harbor were notified by police about hazardous road conditions due to snow.

A caller reported someone driving a vehicle on the beach at Reel Point on Ram Island on March 9. Police located the person, who had a valid beach driving permit.

A caller reported that a pit bull had cornered him in the Center on March 9. The dog did not bite him but was aggressive. Police canvassed the area with negative results.

Police investigated a landlord/tenant dispute on March 11.

Also on March 11, police advised a person looking for construction work to obtain a town license in order to conduct a home improvement business on the Island.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to an automatic alarm at a residence on Ram Island on March 6. The alarm was set off by a contractor working inside the house.

Two burglary alarms went off on March 6 and 11, both in Hay Beach. One was caused by an incorrect entry; the reason for the second was undetermined but the premises appeared secure.

In other incidents, police checked on the well-being of residents, served papers, helped residents in their homes, tracked down false 911 calls, conducted D.A.R.E. at the school for 5th and 7th graders and opened a vehicle with the keys locked inside, among others.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported six individuals to Eastern Long Island Hospital on March 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Police headquarters.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Santos A. Hernandez, 43, of Shelter Island was driving on North Ferry Road on March 10 when he was given two summonses for using a cellphone without a hands-free device and for unlicensed operation.

Anthony J. Marr, 47, of Sag Harbor was ticketed on Cedar Avenue on March 11 for operating a vehicle with a suspended/revoked registration.

On March 12, Marsia Guerman, 22, of Shelter Island was issued three tickets on North Ferry Road for driving without headlights in inclement weather, for unlicensed operation and for having her visibility distorted by a broken windshield.

Amanda Gerdts, 29, of Shelter Island was given a ticket on New York Avenue on March 15 for a cellphone violation.
accidents

Cynthia A. Needham of Shelter Island was driving eastbound on South Ferry Road on March 18, making a left turn into a parking area, when she said she didn’t see an on-coming vehicle in the westbound lane driven by Caitlin A. Cummings of Shelter Island. The vehicles collided, causing over $1,000 damage to the passenger-side rear of Ms. Needham’s vehicle and the right passenger-side front of Ms. Cummings’ vehicle.

Ms. Needham, 86, was issued two tickets for failure to yield the right of way on a left turn and for driving on an unsafe tire.

OTHER REPORTS
Police checked on the well-being of a resident  in the Heights on March 12.

Police opened a confidential investigation into a drug case on March 12.

On March 12 a complainant was advised to contact the school regarding concerns about access to the school building.

An open burning in Menantic was reported to police on March 14; the resident had a valid burn permit.

On March 14, an anonymous caller reported that a truck driver was headed northbound on South Ferry Road and driving erratically. Police were unable to locate the driver.

A caller reported an open shed door on a property in Silver Beach on March 14. Police secured the door and found no sign of criminal activity or forced entry.

On March 15, a caller told police of possible trespassing on private property. Police located the persons at another location and advised them not to return to the residence.

A caller reported on March 16 that construction next to the residence was shaking the house and its foundation. Police responded and did not observe any damage. The Building Department was notified.

On March 18, police responded to a youth dispute.

Also on the 18th, police assisted another agency by responding to a request from a government department in Ohio to notify a Shelter Island resident about property damage.

A burglary alarm was activated at a Hay Beach residence on March 13. It was set off by workers installing pool equipment in the basement.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to a residential fire alarm on March 16, triggered during a brief loss of electric power.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported four people to Eastern Long Island Hospital on March 12, 15, 16 and 18.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Jeffrey Starzee, indicted on sex abuse charges, is due in court Monday.

The mother of a girl Shelter Island Police said was sexually abused by a town Highway Department worker said Thursday the school board is not moving on her request to transfer her daughter to another district.

Deborah Ross said since charges of third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child were brought against Jeffrey Starzee February 22, her daughter has not been back to Shelter Island School. Ms. Ross said since Mr. Starzee’s wife Helene works at the school and the Starzees’ children attend the school, it is traumatic for the girl to return to class.

“They [the School Board] don’t want to come up with the money to tuition her out,” Ms. Ross said, meaning if her daughter had to transfer to another district because of the situation the Shelter Island district would have to pay her tuition.

Superintendent Michael Hynes said he couldn’t comment on the situation.

Ms. Ross told Newsday she’s angry her daughter’s life is being interrupted while Mr. Starzee is allowed to continue to work for the Highway Department while his case is pending.

In response to a question whether Mr. Starzee should be suspended from his job with or without pay prior to a possible conviction, Highway Superintendent Jay Card Jr. said, “You’ll have to ask the Town Board.”

Town Supervisor Jim Dougherty couldn’t be reached Thursday. He’s quoted by Newsday as saying Mr. Starzee wouldn’t face any disciplinary action unless he were convicted.

Highway Department workers aren’t covered by the New York State Department of Civil Service here, but its policy on disciplining an indicted employee would depend on whether the charges reflect unfavorably upon the moral character or fitness of the employee or brings discredit to the public service.

Representatives of several other Long Island towns have said circumstances similar to Mr. Starzee’s case would merit suspension.

Mr. Starzee, 47, an 18-year highway department veteran, is due back in court on Monday. The Reporter is awaiting a call from Judge Mary-Faith Westervelt and Brian DeSesa, Mr. Starzee’s attorney, about what is likely to transpire during that session.

Mr. DeSesa previously said he was looking forward “to our day in court,” confident Mr. Starzee would be acquitted on both charges.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Police Headquarters

Michael McNemar, 41, of Shelter Island was arrested Thursday at 10:05 p.m. on charges of assault and strangulation, both in the second degree.

Mr. McNemar was released on $20,000 cash bail .

The investigation resulted from a call from Eastern Long Island Hospital, according to Chief James Read. He said he’s unable to release any further information.

The victim was issued an order of protection, according to the police report.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Police Headquarters

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Manuel J. Vega, 35, of Southampton was driving on St. Mary’s Road on Thursday, March 21 at about 9 a.m. when he was stopped by police for not having an inspection sticker. Police detected the smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and arrested Mr. Vega for unlawful possession of marijuana. He was also ticketed for not having an inspection certificate.

Mr. Vega was released on his own recognizance.

Following an investigation, Michael A. McNemar, 41, of Shelter Island was arrested on Thursday, March 21 at 10 p.m. on charges of assault in the 2nd degree and strangulation in the 2nd degree. The assault was reported by the emergency center of Eastern Long Island Hospital. Mr. McNemar was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court, Judge Helen Rosenblum presiding, and released on cash bail of $20,000. He was instructed to appear in court at a later date. An order of protection was issued against him.

ACCIDENTS
On March 24, Peter D. Rickenbach was boarding a North Ferry boat driving a LIPA truck when he hit a parked vehicle belonging to Michael E. Bleich of New York City. There was over $1,000 in damage to the rear tire and rear quarter panel of Mr. Bleich’s vehicle.

Henrietta M. Roberts of Shelter Island had stopped at the intersection of East Thomas Street and North Ferry Road on March 25. She said she failed to see an on-coming vehicle driven by Janet L. Kaften of Shelter Island. She proceeded through the intersection and pulled in front of Ms. Kaften’s vehicle, failing to yield the right of way. There was over $1,000 in damage to the right front of Ms. Roberts’ vehicle and the left front of Ms. Kaften’s.

OTHER REPORTS
An arcing wire was reported in the Center on March 19; police notified LIPA.

On March 19, police investigated a case of fraud.

A vehicle was stuck in the sand while making a turn at the boat basin at South Ferry Hills on March 21. Police dug out the vehicle.

A caller told police on March 21 that a person, who was possibly intoxicated, was having difficulty riding a bicycle in the Center. The area was patrolled with negative results.

On March 31, police responded to a case of criminal contempt; the alleged victim declined to prosecute.

A complainant reported a possible case of harassment on March 21.

Police received a report on March 22 that an order of protection had been violated; it was unfounded.

On March 22, a caller reported a person causing a disturbance at a business in the Heights. The person was gone when police arrived but was contacted later and advised he was no longer allowed on the premises.

A caller complained about a loud noise in West Neck on March 22. Police on stationary patrol determined the call was unfounded.

A caller reported on March 23 that a small white buoy, attached to a mooring or a crab trap, was floating off a Center dock.

A low-hanging wire in Hay Beach was reported on March 24; police contacted Verizon.

A Center caller told police on March 24 that a person was knocking on the front door and attempting to turn the door knob. Police contacted the person who was advised not to enter the property again.

On March 25, police investigated an incident involving a bounced check.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported five persons to Eastern Long Island Hospital on March 22, 23 and 24.

Suffolk County residents should be on the lookout for telephone scams, the Suffolk County Police Department said after scammers targeted several Long Islanders this week.

The department has gotten more than a dozen reports of telephone scams where ”potential victims are asked to wire money immediately for a family member in trouble,” police said.

Police say the caller will attempt to pressure the victim into sending money without verifying the family member’s whereabouts.

In one scenario, the caller tells the victim that they have just been in a car accident with a relative of the victim who refuses to pay for the damage and claims to have the family member at gunpoint until the victim pays thousands of dollars, according to a police press release.

Other scenarios may include tricking the victim into wiring money to bail out a family member from jail or pay off a faked debt, police said. In these scams, the victim is asked to withdraw money from an ATM and the caller will guide them to where they can wire the money.

The department has gotten reports of about 70 similar scams and believe that dozens more have gone unreported, police said. Police investigations have found that the victims are selected randomly.

The Suffolk County Police Department has advised residents to “independently verify the threatened relative’s whereabouts” and not share any personal information during a call. Those who believe they’re being targeted by a scammer should call the Suffolk County Police Department at (631) 852-2677.

REPORTER FILE PHOTO | Shelter Island Police Department headquarters.

Those named in arrest reports or receiving police summonses have not been convicted of a crime. In court, the charges against them may be reduced or withdrawn or the defendants may be found not guilty.

Caroline A. Hall, 48, of Shelter Island was driving on School Street on Saturday, March 30 at about 6 p.m. when she was stopped by police for failure to stay in lane. She was subsequently arrested and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated. Her car was seized in accordance with Suffolk County law regarding a prior DWI conviction. Ms. Hall was arraigned in Shelter Island Justice Court, Judge Mary-Faith Westervelt presiding, and released on $1,000 bail.

On Monday, April 1, Molly F. Free, 54, of Southampton was driving on North Ferry Road when she was stopped by police for speeding and for failure to stay in lane. She was subsequently arrested at about 2:30 p.m. and charged with aggravated DWI. Ms. Free was held for arraignment in Shelter Island Justice Court — Judge Helen J. Rosenblum on the bench — and released on bail of $750.

SUMMONSES
John J. Condon, 68, of Mattituck was driving on North Ferry Road on March 26 when he was issued a ticket for failure to stop at a stop sign.

ACCIDENTS
Cristina Castellanos of Shelter Island was driving west on Summerfield Place on March 28 when she hit a vehicle belonging to Andrew Ward of Shelter Island, which was parked in the North Ferry line. There was damage to the driver’s-side rear quarter panel of Mr. Ward’s vehicle and some minor scratches on the passenger-side of Ms. Castellanos’ vehicle. The total damage was estimated at under $1,000.
Ms. Castellanos, 48, was given a summons for violation of la icense permit restriction.

OTHER REPORTS
Police responded to a report on March 26 that a vehicle had been parked at a family’s residence for a few days. It was determined that the vehicle belonged to a relative.

The Shelter Island Fire Department responded to a smoke alarm at a Center residence on March 26. It had been set off by construction dust.

A caller reported on March 27 that a vehicle was parked in a lot, running with the lights on. Police found someone sleeping behind the wheel.

On March 29, police checked on vehicles parked in a resident’s driveway in the owner’s absence. Police found that a neighbor had put the vehicles there while the house was being painted.

Gunshots were reported in Silver Beach on March 29; police located a person shooting skeet, using steel shot. No violations were noted.

On the 31st, gunshots were reported at Wades Beach. A family was shooting skeet, also with steel shot, and biodegradable skeet. No further action was taken.

Police responded to a possible violation of an order of protection on March 29. No violation was noted.

A kayak was reported floating off Hay Beach on March 30. Police checked with the U.S. Coast Guard; apparently the kayak had blown off the beach on a windy day; no one was kayaking at the time.

A medical alert alarm was set off accidentally in Silver Beach on March 30.

A loud noise was reported in a Center area on March 31. Police searched the immediate area on foot with negative results.

Police on patrol in Silver Beach on April 1 removed a portable basketball hoop that had fallen across a roadway.

Also on April 1, police assisted a West Neck resident in gaining entrance to a locked shed.

AIDED CASES
Shelter Island Emergency Medical Service teams transported two cases to Eastern Long Island Hospital on March 31.