Cops: Driver had beer, drugs in lap

Police said a Middle Island man was caught driving with a beer and drugs in his lap early Monday morning.

Dorell Washington, 42, was a front seat passenger in a car that was stopped for speeding on Flanders Road in Riverside at about 1:40 a.m. Monday when the officer noticed that he was bending over attempting to hide something under the seat, according to police. Despite this, when the officer approached, Mr. Washington had marijuana on his lap and an open 12-ounce beer.

A search of the car found marijuana and ecstasy in his pants pocket, and Mr. Washington also had two active bench warrants, according to police.

Mr. Washington was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana and consuming an alcoholic beverage in a car.