A Selkirk man is facing felony drug charges after police found his vehicle driven into the snow embankment of the eastbound lane on Feura Bush Road, just west of the intersection with Elsmere Avenue.
Around 3:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 12, police observed a 2012 Hyundai Elantra in the snow embankment, facing southwest, with the engine off and doors locked. The vehicle was also unoccupied. Police determined the vehicle was registered to John A. Meglino, 30, but were not able to immediately locate him on the scene or by phone.
An officer traveled to Meglino’s residence at 25 Dorchester Ave. in Selkirk and spoke with his roommate, who said Meglino was not home. Police dispatch eventually was able to contact Meglino by phone, and he confirmed he would be returning to the scene of the crash before returning home. Shortly after the call, he arrived on scene.
Meglino allegedly told police he was driving down Elsmere Avenue and was unable to make the turn onto Feura Bush Road, which led him to crashing into the snowbank. He reportedly attempted to remove the vehicle from the snowbank for 30 minutes before calling an individual for help. That individual then drove Meglino to Dunkin’ Donuts to get something to eat.
Police observed Meglino to have an odor of alcohol on his breath, slurred speech, and bloodshot, watery eyes. He failed all three field sobriety tests administered, according to police. He later submitted to a chemical breath test, which yielded a positive result for alcohol.
During an inventory of Meglino’s car, police allegedly found 0.92 grams of cocaine and five pills of generic Adderall.
Meglino was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, both felonies, aggravated DWI for having a BAC of 0.18 percent or higher, and an improper right turn.
He was arraigned in Bethlehem Town Court and transported to Albany County jail, with bail set at $20,000. He was scheduled to return to Town Court Tuesday, March 3.
