Centereach, NY – Suffolk County Police arrested a teenager last night for driving a stolen vehicle while impaired by drugs, following his attempt to escape the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash in Centereach. The incident occurred on Middle Country Road, east of Dawn Drive, at approximately 9:10 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
According to police reports, a 16-year-old male was operating a stolen 2008 Land Rover LR2 eastbound on Middle Country Road when he collided with the rear of a sedan driven by a 73-year-old woman, who was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A 50-year-old male passenger who was also in the car sustained serious injuries and was also transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.
The teen driver, who was uninjured in the crash, attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended by an off-duty Suffolk County Police officer. Selective Alcohol Fatality Enforcement Team (SAFE-T) officers charged the teen – whose identity is withheld due to his age – with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. Additional charges from the Major Case Unit detectives include Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property.
The suspect is currently detained at the Sixth Precinct and is scheduled for arraignment at the Youth Part of First District Court in Central Islip on May 5th.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the crash to contact the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555.
A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
