'Even After a Night in Jail, I Strongly Support the Policy'

This may be the best spin I've ever seen from a suspected criminal. Naturally he's an aspiring Democrat politician.

A Long Island state Senate candidate was nabbed in a terrifying road-rage incident targeting his ex-girlfriend -- repeatedly trying to run her off the road as she traveled with a new beau, authorities said.

Yet despite spending a night in jail, Dave Mejias, a former Nassau County legislator, said he believes that domestic-violence suspects should always be arrested.

"Even after a night in jail, I strongly support the policy," said Mejias, 39, of Farmingdale. After he was released on bail, he said he had "nothing to hide" and would be cleared of the charges.

Mejias -- a Democrat who is trying to unseat incumbent Kemp Hannon in the 6th Senate District -- was charged with misdemeanor stalking, menacing and reckless endangerment Wednesday night in the exclusive hamlet of Locust Valley.

Nassau Detective Sgt. Anthony Repalone said the suspect followed his ex by car after she failed to reply to his text messages.

"He was following them and pretty much tailgating," said Repalone.

Mejias allegedly tailed his 34-year-old ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend and twice cut her off -- driving into oncoming traffic to go around her.

The first time, the woman turned around and fled -- but Mejias pursued her and cut her off again -- forcing her to brake or smash into his vehicle, cops said.

The second time, Mejias banged on the woman's car hood and tried to yank her door open while "ranting and screaming at his former girlfriend," according to Repalone.

"She does tell us he was in a highly agitated state. She was shaken up by the ordeal," said Repalone. "She was fearful that he may cause harm to her."

The victim fled to her parents' home nearby, where she called police. After an investigation, Mejias was arrested. Repalone said the couple had been dating about three years before their breakup.

The office of Nassau DA Kathleen Rice -- a Democratic candidate for state attorney general -- announced that a special prosecutor would be appointed in the case because of "a personal relationship between the victim, her family and the district attorney."

The New York Democrats have been running low on felons of late so they may want to get behind Mejias just to keep up appearances.