The Sag Harbor police officer who became an internet sensation after arresting singer Justin Timberlake for DWI last summer has been awarded the title of “Officer of the Year.”
Michael Arkinson, a rookie officer with the Sag Harbor Police Department, received the recognition from Chief Rob Drake during a recent ceremony, where he was commended for making “an immediate impact within both the department and the community.”
Chief Drake also highlighted Arkinson’s impressive performance, noting that he led the department in both arrests and summonses—one of which included Timberlake’s highly publicized DWI arrest last June.
Arkinson gained popularity on social media after it was reported that he did not recognize the pop star during the traffic stop, sparking the viral joke, “This is going to ruin the tour.”
Timberlake eventually accepted a plea deal for a traffic ticket in September, resolving the case. It remains to be seen whether Arkinson’s recent honor will have any effect on Timberlake’s world tour.
