Paddler Drowns In Southold Pond

An experienced paddle boarder drowned on Friday, August 2, trying to assist a companion having trouble navigating a strong current in Hashamomuck Pond in Southold.

Lisa Margaritis, 48, who authorities said lived in Albertson, was in the pond near Mill Creek shortly before 10 AM, participating in a paddle board yoga class with two others, when one of them had trouble passing under a bridge.

Margaritis went to her rescue, but her board wedged under a piling and Margaritis fell into the water. A jogger noticed the paddle boarder could not right herself and dove into the water to help, but Margaritas was tethered to the board, her head trapped underwater.

Margaritis was unable to free herself, police said. Finally, the jogger was able to free the board. Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad and Stony Brook University Hospital paramedics responded and initiated CPR, police said. She was rushed to Eastern Long Island Hospital to no avail.

According to published reports, Margaritis was a cardiac nurse at two hospitals and a teacher at Garcia Muay Thai & MMA Gym in Glen Cove.

Knifepoint Robbery In Riverhead

A man was robbed at knifepoint at Grangebel Park on Thursday, August 1, in broad daylight.

He called Riverhead Town Police at about 2:15 PM and told them two men flashed a knife, beat him, took his backpack and cell phone, and took off. The victim rode through the neighborhood and said he saw the suspects at a nearby bus stop.

Police identified the pair as Steven Durham, 36, no address, and Timothy Hardge, 32, of Riverhead. Both were charged with first-degree robbery and taken into custody.

Just Hanging Out

Brian Gutierrez, who was observed by a passer-by “hanging halfway out of the driver’s side door” of his Honda, was arrested on July 28 and charged with driving while intoxicated, according to Southold Town police. He was spotted around 3 AM on Route 48 in Cutchogue. The witness told police the ignition was running at the time.

Kelvin Euceda, 31, of Greenport, was arrested also for DWI, on July 24, after police observed him operating a 2001 Chevy pickup, allegedly the same vehicle that fled the scene of a crash earlier in the day. He was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

Kyle McCaskie of Cutchogue was arrested for DWI after police stopped him the same night to question him about another matter.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com