NY officer injured by drunk driver

NY officer injured by drunk driver

Posted: Updated:

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (AP) - A Long Island police officer was injured when his vehicle was rear-ended by a drunk driver.

It happened in Patchogue while Suffolk County police were conducting a follow-up investigation Sunday at the scene of a fatal car crash a day earlier.

Officer Brian Smales placed his car, with emergency lights on, on the right shoulder of the Sunrise Highway outside the lane of traffic. Shortly afterward, a 2012 Chrysler struck the rear of his cruiser.

Police say Salvatore Distefano, was arrested at the scene and charged with DWI, assault and violating the state's "Move Over Law." He was later treated at a hospital for facial lacerations and released. Information about his lawyer wasn't immediately available.

Smales was treated at a hospital for head, neck, back and leg injuries and released.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • Long Island NewsLong Island News

  • Saturday, May 18 2013 9:26 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:26:12 GMT
    Authorities say a vehicle with two passengers ran off a road and crashed into Huntington harbor on Long Island Saturday evening. 
    Authorities say a vehicle with two passengers ran off a road and crashed into Huntington harbor on Long Island Saturday evening. 
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 9:07 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:07:33 GMT
    Nassau County police said the Hofstra University student killed during a home invasion robbery was the victim of friendly fire from an officer.
    Nassau County police said the Hofstra University student killed during a home invasion robbery was the victim of friendly fire from an officer.
  • Friday, May 17 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 17:09:46 GMT
    Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million dollars for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.
    Powerball's estimated jackpot has soared to a record $600 million for Saturday's drawing because of brisk sales across the states involved in the lottery.  The lump-sum cash value of the jackpot is an estimated $376.9 million.
Powered by WorldNow

WHBQ-TV | Fox 13
485 S. Highland St.
Memphis, TN 38111

Main Station: (901) 320-1313
Newsroom: (901) 320-1340

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices