Suffolk County Police today arrested a Nesconset man for driving while intoxicated, driving without a license and fleeing the scene after he was involved in a two-car crash that critically injured a Patchogue man in Bohemia early this morning.
A 2010 Mazda, driven by Allan Collins, was stopped at a red light in the left turning lane of eastbound Veterans Memorial Highway at the intersection with Johnson Avenue in Bohemia when the vehicle was struck from behind by a 2007 Nissan at 5:50 a.m. The driver of the Nissan, Robert Watson, fled the scene following the crash but was apprehended at Johnson Avenue and Carlough Road in Bohemia a short time later by Fifth Squad detective Robert Suppa, who was canvassing the area looking for the driver who fled.
Kevin Mead, 26, of 44 Bailey Ave., Patchogue, a passenger in the backseat of the Mazda, was transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue where he was admitted in critical condition with head and chest trauma. Collins, 57, and his daughter, Stephanie Collins, 24, who was seated in the front passenger seat, were also transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center where they were treated for shock.
Fifth Squad detectives charged Watson, 24, of 197 Alexander Ave., Nesconset, with Driving While Intoxicated, Leaving the Scene of an Incident with Injury and Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Watson will be held for arraignment on October 4 at First District Court in Central Islip.
Both vehicles were impounded for further investigation and safety checks. The investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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