NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Timothy McKnight, 31, of New Rochelle, failed to appear in New Rochelle City Court this morning on charges related to a DWI arrest in September 18th.
David Rifas, McKnight’s attorney, told Judge Jared Rice he learned earlier in the day that McKnight was in quarantine due to exposure to COVID-19. A family member said, outside the courtroom, McKnight’s exposure was related to the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle without providing specifics.
New Rochelle Board of Education Vice President William Ianuzzi, Site Director for the BGCNR Mascaro Clubhouse facility, tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. The NRBGC Mascaro Clubhouse facility is used for remote learning by the school district and a District-funded after-school program. Mascaro is closed until Thursday, October 22nd as the facility undergoes a deep cleaning and sanitizing. Children will not be allowed to return to the Mascaro Clubhouse or school until they test negative for COVID-19 after their 14-day quarantine.
McKnight was among a group of people who attended the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle — WestCOP golf outing at Wykagyl Country Club on October 12 where social distancing and mask guidelines were not followed.
The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle issued a statement to parents informing them someone within their program tested positive for COVID-19 without identifying Ianuzzi. The City School District of New Rochelle issued a statement Tuesday that 29 students — believed to include students at Christopher Columbus Elementary School and Trinity Elementary School — are now in a two-week quarantine in New Rochelle, according to a statement issued Tuesday afternoon.
During his arrest, near 80 Pintard Avenue in New Rochelle, McKnight was charged with DWI-First Offense. A 9 mm 43X Glock pistol was found during the inventory search of his vehicle.
Police said McKnight appeared to possess a valid Westchester County pistol permit (target only).
“The District Attorney’s Office will decide whether he violated the conditions of his pistol permit,” said New Rochelle Police Captain Cosmo Costa back in September.
Rifas said today he was aware the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office was intending to file an additional charge in the case, expected to be a criminal possession of a loaded firearm. Assistant District Attorney Matthew John confirmed that he had intended to file the additional charge today.
In a charging document seen by Talk of the Sound, McKnight will be charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm Outside of Parameter of Permit, a Misdemeanor.
According to the accusatory document filed October 20, 2020, McKnight was involved in a car crash (property damage only) on the night of September 19th, shortly before midnight.
McKnight was driving the vehicle in an intoxicated condition as evidenced by his slurred speech, watery and glassy eyes, an odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. McKnight failed a standard sobriety tests. He staggered when he walked, swayed when he stood and exhibited impaired motor coordination.
An open bottle of Hennessy was recovered on the floor of the front passenger seat.
McKnight possessed a licensed pistol “in a manner inconsistent with the proscribed parameters”, to wit, McKnight possessed a loaded 43X Glock pistol in the center console of his vehicle, a 2020 white BMW 350 with New Jersey license plates. The pistol was recovered from the unlocked center console after he was observed by a police Detective pushing down on the console as the officer approached the vehicle.
Rifas requested an adjournment to November 23rd, subject to McKnight’s experience with coronavirus. Judge Rice granted the request.
On March 31, 2019, New York State Police Haverstraw arrested McKnight. He was traveling on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the town of Clarkstown when his vehicle became stuck in the mud in the center median. Troopers responded to offer assistance. While speaking to McKnight, troopers determined that he was impaired by alcohol, police alleged.
McKnight is currently enrolled in the New York State Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (“TASC”) at the Oasis Shelter in New Rochelle, Rifas told the Court.
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