Officer resigns after DWI crash involving patrol vehicle

GREENPORT―A Greenport police officer who allegedly had a blood alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit when she crashed a patrol vehicle has now resigned.

Stephanie VanAlstyne stepped down from both the Greenport Police Department and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office where she served as a correction officer in the jail, according to a joint statement issued Friday by the two agencies.

“Ms. VanAlstyne was afforded due process in relation to the disciplinary proceedings provided under New York Civil Service Law but chose to resign from her positions with both agencies prior to the conclusion of that process,” the sheriff’s office and police department stated.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of 440 Fairview Avenue around 4:41 p.m. on Sunday for a 911 call reporting an accident involving a Greenport Police Department vehicle.

Preliminary investigation determined that VanAlstyne was traveling north on Fairview Avenue when she allegedly veered off the road, resulting in a crash that caused significant damage to the patrol vehicle.

She sustained minor injuries to her hand but declined medical treatment.

VanAlstyne was charged with driving while intoxicated and, according to the sheriff’s office, had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15 percent.

She was immediately suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation, the sheriff’s office said.

That investigation is now completed and the sheriff's office has referred the case to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office.