Cops: Ridge man drove drunk with children in car in Riverhead

A Ridge man is facing a Leandra’s Law charge as well as misdemeanor charges for endangering the welfare of a child after he was caught driving drunk with three children in the car on Route 58 Thursday, according to a police press release.

Police received a report about a possible drunk driver about 5:05 p.m. and patrol units spotted a vehicle matching the description provided by a witness, according to the release. Officers investigated and found the driver, 50-year-old Ronald Bagger, was intoxicated.

In addition to the Leadra’s Law charge, which makes it a felony to drive drunk with a child under 16 in the car, Mr. Bagger was arrested and charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of a child as well as traffic infractions for not wearing a seatbelt and not having children wearing seatbelts, according to the report.

Mr. Bagger was arraigned in Riverhead Town Court and was held on $3,000 cash or $6,000 bond. His car was impounded, police said.

He is due back in court on Wednesday, Sept. 7.