Suffolk Legislator-elect Catherine Stark released on own recognizance following drugged driving arrest
Court documents show Stark was pulled over as she was turning in to her driveway and said, “I took one to two Oxycodones, I have back pain.”
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Suffolk County Legislator-elect Catherine Stark was released on her own recognizance Monday following her arrest on driving while ability impaired by drugs charges on Sunday in Riverhead.
Police say it happened around 2:30 p.m. near Pondview Road.
Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar told News 12 a 911 caller reported the incident to police.
Court documents show Stark was pulled over as she was turning into her driveway and said, “I took one to two Oxycodones, I have back pain.”
Police described her as disoriented with droopy-eyelids, drowsiness, slurred speech and extreme dry mouth.
Starks attorney Steven Losquadro released a statement:
“Catherine Stark courageously has been battling cancer, a condition that she has chosen until now to keep private. This incident occurred when she unfortunately went to a store hours after taking her medication. There was no alcohol or illegal substances involved, and a test volunteered by Ms. Stark showed this. A blood test, also voluntarily given by Ms. Stark, will conclusively prove this. All medication taken by Ms. Stark to assist in her fight against this disease has been prescribed by her oncologist. She looks forward to a quick resolution of this incident, including relevant circumstances regarding her treatment, before the Court in a responsible and respectful manner.”
Stark, 60, was arraigned Monday morning and is due back in court on Jan. 24.
