Many Americans can vividly remember hearing the unmistakable chime of an approaching ice cream truck on a hot summer day. However, most Americans would not likely suspect friendly, charming ice cream truck drivers with violating DWI laws, and committing other criminal offenses. In New York, a bitter feud between two ice cream truck vendors has ended in what reporters are calling a “meltdown.” While one vendor may be safe on his ice cream truck turf, another vendor now faces DWI charges.
The story is so bizarre, that it even caught the attention of the Dailymail.co.uk. The British news source reported in May of this year that 34-year-old Joshua Malatino, of Snow-Cone Joe, and 53-year-old Philip Hollister of Mr. Ding-A-Ling, were warring over rights to turf in Gloversville, New York.
Mr. Malatino’s efforts to protect his neighborhood ice cream route became so pervasive, that he began to make threats against Mr. Hollister, and would deter customers from him by yelling “Free ice cream!” whenever a customer would approach Mr. Hollister’s truck. He also began to make phone calls to Mr. Ding-A-Ling headquarters, enraged that other vendors were being let loose in Gloversville.
The feud came to a head when police officers claim they observed Mr. Malatino and his girlfriend in his Snow-Cone Joe truck tailgate Mr. Hollister in his Mr. Ding-A-Ling truck at a stoplight. After warning Mr. Malatino about his inappropriate behavior numerous times, police investigated the incident and arrested Mr. Malatino and his girlfriend for harassment and stalking.
Now it is Mr. Hollister that is in trouble with the law. Whether prompted by the stress of maintaining his route, or other problems, TheRepublic.com reports that Mr. Hollister was arrested this Saturday at midnight after he almost hit a police vehicle with his Mr. Ding-A-Long truck in Northampton. Deputies allege that Mr. Hollister’s blood alcohol content was 0.15% at the time of the incident, which is almost double the legal limit of 0.08%. Mr. Hollister was arrested and charged with violating New York’s DWI laws.
CBS6Albany.com adds that Mr. Hollister was cooperative with police officers at the time of the incident, and is due in court on August 15th. However, Mr. Hollister’s job as a Mr. Ding-A-Ling truck vendor is not safe, as he has been fired following the arrest. Gloversville Mayor Dayton King notes that as long as Mr. Hollister is not driving the Mr. Ding-A-Ling Gloversville ice cream route, the business may keep its permit.
Unlikely individuals often face DWI charges and they must seek out representation to assist them in their defense. If you have been charged with violating DWI laws, your best line of defense it to seek out an experienced DWI attorney to review your case. An experienced DWI attorney can help you understand the charges against you and can represent you in court. Call the experienced DWI attorneys at Nave DWI Defense Attorneys today at 1-866-792-7800 for a confidential consultation.
