RYE, NY (November 26, 2025) — A Port Chester landscaper was arrested Wednesday morning after refusing to show identification when a Rye police officer caught his crew using prohibited gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn equipment.
The incident occurred around 10:44 a.m. on Oakland Beach Avenue when a City of Rye officer spotted two gas-powered leaf blowers and two additional pieces of gas-powered lawn equipment being used at the same time.
The officer stopped to investigate and asked the workers who was in charge. Workers pointed to 43-year-old Alejandro Espinoza-Barajas of Port Chester, an employee of FJ Barajas Lawn Maintenance, who was identified by his New York State driver’s license.
The officer informed Espinoza-Barajas and the workers that using multiple gas-powered machines simultaneously violates Rye City ordinances. Identification was requested from all workers to document the violation.
Two workers provided identification without issue. Espinoza-Barajas became upset and refused repeated requests to show ID.
After several attempts, the officer informed Espinoza-Barajas he was under arrest for refusing to comply.
Espinoza-Barajas was charged with obstructing governmental administration in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor, and released on his own recognizance after processing.
He is scheduled to appear in Rye City Court on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, at 9 a.m.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.