A man from East Hampton is under arrest after police say he was driving a boat while under the influence in Middletown earlier this month.
Middletown Police working the marine patrol and the Coast Guard stopped a boat as it was traveling south in a restricted area without necessary navigation lights on on July 7 around 9:10 p.m., according to police.
Once the boat was stopped, the Coast Guard boarded it and began a safety inspection. During the inspection, police say the captain of the boat, later identified as 26-year-old Patrick Brogan, and his passengers were belligerent and rude to the Coast Guard crew.
Investigators say they could smell alcohol coming from the passenger compartment of the boat. They say they also could smell it when Brogan spoke. A further investigation revealed open and empty alcohol bottles near the captain's seat of the boat, in the cup holders and other compartments.
When members of the Coast Guard asked Brogan if he had been drinking, they say he told them he had not. When asked again, Brogan said he had one beer. Officers say Brogan was very uneasy on his feet and barely able to stand up.
Officers took Brogan ashore to perform sobriety tests on him. During the questioning, officers say Brogan told them that he was on medication for the treatment of "possibly cancer," but when asked what the medication was he responded, "I don't have to tell you." Brogan failed the tests, according to police.
Officers then placed Brogan under arrest while they searched his boat. During the search, Coast Guard officials say they found more alcohol, as well as a plastic Tupperware container full of illegal fireworks.
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When Brogan was in the police car, officers say he began yelling expletives and slammed his head on the cage of the cruiser, as well as kicked the door while demanding a cigarette. Brogan was transported to Middletown Police Headquarters where he refused to take a breathalyzer test, they say.
After being released, Brogan came to Middletown Police Headquarters the following day to retrieve his driver's license and keys. Officers say Brogan was very apologetic and said "it was the Long Island iced teas."
Brogan is facing charges including boating under the influence and possession of fireworks. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 20 in Middletown.
