The purpose of this news release is to encourage the community to use caution if they observe Brandon L. McKinley of Watervliet, NY operating a motor vehicle. This information is based on a summary of McKinley’s extensive arrest record which includes seven DWIs since 2008.
“This offender is a serial intoxicated driver. The danger that he and every impaired operator pose to our roadways is not in dispute. McKinley’s actions indicate an obvious need for assistance, which has unfortunately gone unanswered,” said Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni. “The single reason this defendant continues to place our community at risk is because he cannot be remanded due to an absurd provision in New York’s bail reform law. Although our officers are disappointed, we remain committed to removing dangerous criminals from our streets,” concluded Centanni.
A Summary of McKinley’s Recent Arrests in the City of Watervliet
- On May 3, 2022, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the Watervliet Police Department responded to Stewart’s at Second Avenue and 19th Street for a disturbance. Through investigation, it was determined that McKinley operated his vehicle under the influence of alcohol. In addition, McKinley’s license was revoked due to several previous DWI arrests. McKinley was arraigned in Watervliet City Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility, then released on bail a few days later.
2. Approximately six weeks later, on June 19, 2022, at about 10:20 p.m., the Watervliet Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop of McKinley after observing violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. It was determined that McKinley was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and was in possession of a quantity of crack cocaine. McKinley was released on an appearance ticket and ordered to appear in Watervliet City Court on a later date.
3. About two weeks later, on July 7, at approximately 12:15 p.m., the Watervliet Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop of McKinley upon observing violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. Similar to the previous two encounters, McKinley was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. In addition, McKinley failed to have a Court ordered Interlock Device on the vehicles during each incident.
McKinley was arraigned in Watervliet City Court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility, then released on bail a few days later.
For all three incidents, Watervliet Police charged McKinley, a 41-year-old male (photo attached) from Watervliet with Driving While Intoxicated (Class D Felony), Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 1st Degree (Class E Felony), Circumventing an Interlock Device (Class A Misdemeanor), Drinking Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle (Violation) and several other violations of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law.
