Homer Man Charged With DWI After Being Denied Beer Purchase at Store in Village

Just before 1 in the afternoon on Wednesday, March 11, Homer Police were dispatched to a call of a possible intoxicated driver. Police say the driver, later identified as 52 year old Derek J. Fiene of Homer, had attempted to purchase beer from a convenience store in the village, but was denied by the clerk as he appeared to be in an intoxicated condition.

The store clerk would then see Fiene get into a vehicle and drive away. Police responding to the area located Fiene’s vehicle on Center Street in the village. When officers spoke with him, they determined he was intoxicated. Police also found he was driving with a suspended license.

Fiene was arrested and charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 1st, a Felony, and Driving While Intoxicate, a Misdemeanor. He was taken to the Homer Police Department for processing before being turned over to the Cortland County Jail for centralized arraignment.