In Sag Harbor, a small town in the Hamptons, rookie officer Michael Arkinson has gained popularity for his strict enforcement of traffic laws. On June 18, 2024, the 24-year-old arrested pop superstar Justin Timberlake for drunken driving. The arrest occurred early Tuesday morning when Arkinson pulled over Timberlake for failing to stop at a sign and swerving.
Officer Michael Arkinson started his law enforcement career as a part-time traffic control officer in 2017. He became a full-time officer in March of this year and quickly made a name for himself. During the incident with Timberlake, Arkinson noted that the singer performed poorly on field sobriety tests, had slurred speech, and smelled strongly of alcohol. Despite being requested three times, Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test.
The incident has not only focused attention on Timberlake but also on Officer Arkinson’s reputation for tough law enforcement. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about his approach. Spencer, a writer from Shelter Island who encountered Arkinson previously, described him as overly aggressive after receiving a $145 ticket.
Following the arrest, one unnamed local commented on Arkinson’s unawareness of Timberlake’s celebrity status due to possibly not being a fan of the singer’s music. This highlights how committed Arkinson is to enforcing the law universally without showing favoritism.
Justin Timberlake has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Represented by Eddie Burke, he is set to appear next in court on July 26. Despite his fame as an NSync member known for hits like ‘Bye Bye Bye,’ he faces serious legal challenges ahead.
Michael Arkinson grew up locally, attending Southampton High School and playing lacrosse at Roger Williams University before joining the police force full time this year. His prior experience and upbringing in Sag Harbor add an interesting local dimension to his interactions with residents and visitors alike.
Overall, this case encapsulates both Officer Arkinson’s staunch commitment to law enforcement within Sag Harbor and serves as another example of how celebrity encounters with the law can spotlight broader issues within community policing practices.
