Nassau County police arrested an ambulette driver on Saturday after he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend and drove off in an Empire ambulette van while intoxicated in Mineola, police said.
The 18-month-old son of the alleged drunken driver, Horace Campbell, 38, of Hempstead, was in the vehicle, police said. The child was uninjured and was later placed in the custody of a family member, police said.
His 34-year-old girlfriend was treated at an area hospital for bruising and swelling to her face.
Police responded outside NYU Winthrop Hospital at 259 First St. after the woman called about an assault, according to detectives.
The woman directed police to the van being driven by Campbell, which police followed as it drove south on Mineola Boulevard at Old Country Road, police said.
Campbell swerved in and out of his lane driving south on Franklin Avenue and was eventually stopped at West Columbia Street in Hempstead, police said.
Campbell, an ambulette driver for Empire State Medi-Cab, was found to be driving under the influence of alcohol following an investigation, police said.
In addition to charges of driving while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated, or Leandra’s Law, Campbell is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
He is also charged with reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful fleeing police, assault, criminal contempt and several vehicle and traffic law violations.
Judge Ignatius Muscarella adjourned Campbell’s case and issued a temporary order of protection during his arraignment on Sunday.
Campbell is being held on $1,000 bond or $250 cash. He is set to appear in court again on Wednesday.
