The Lengthy Island cop who arrested pop celebrity Justin Timberlake for driving drunk within the Hamptons was awarded for making an “quick influence” throughout his first yr on the job.
Sag Harbor Village Police Officer Michael Arkinson, 24, was named the division’s Officer of the 12 months throughout a ceremony on Jan 31, in response to the Sag Harbor Specific.
“Though Officer Arkinson was newly employed final yr, he has made a direct influence throughout the division and the neighborhood,” Chief Rob Drake mentioned.
“…He has a optimistic perspective and proven large initiative, all the time eager to take part and study to enhance his data and expertise to turn into a extra well-rounded police officer.”
Arkinson, who joined SHPD in March 2024, led the division in summonses and arrests — together with pulling over and busting Timberlake within the ritzy Lengthy Island city final yr.
In June, Arkinson noticed the “Horny Again” singer blow via a cease check in his 2025 BMW SUV and swerve out of his lane.
Timberlake claimed he had “one martini” when hanging along with his associates at Sag Harbor’s posh American Resort and was following them dwelling earlier than he was pulled over.
Akinson famous in a felony grievance that the singer “appeared intoxicated” with “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and was “unable to comply with directions appropriately” throughout his area sobriety take a look at.
He refused to take a Breathalyzer thrice, in response to paperwork.
Atkinson “was so younger that he didn’t even know” who Timberlake was throughout the early morning site visitors cease, a supply advised Web page Six.
The Grammy winner allegedly advised Atkinson, “That is going to spoil the tour” on the time.
Timberlake was charged with driving whereas intoxicated, which was dropped when he pleaded responsible to driving whereas potential impaired, a lesser cost. He was additionally cited for operating a cease signal.
In August, the “Cry Me a River” singer pleaded not responsible to a DWI cost and had his license suspended in New York. He accepted a plea deal over a month later to keep away from rehab therapy.
As a part of his plea deal, Timberlake was ordered to finish 25 hours of neighborhood service, make a public assertion and pay a $500 tremendous with a $260 surcharge.
“It is a mistake that I made however I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening proper now can study from this error,” Timberlake mentioned final September.
Arkinson developed a strict fame amongst locals — who described the officer because the “Sag Harbor Nazi” — regardless of having spent lower than a yr with the division.
The Lengthy Island native graduated from Southampton Excessive College and Roger Williams College earlier than he grew to become a part-time site visitors management officer in 2017.
In line with Web page Six, Arkinson jumped into motion to avoid wasting an area, 25, who had been overdosing — simply days earlier than his confrontation with Timberlake.
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