Crime & Safety

Cops: While Driving Drunk, Plainview Man Caused Crash on Rt. 135

John Derrico, 51, drove southbound in the northbound lanes, leading to a crash with another motorist, police said.

A Plainview man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly drove drunk and went the wrong way on the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway (Rt. 135), leading to a crash, cops said.

According to police, around 1 a.m. Saturday, John Derrico, 51, was driving his 2013 Ford southbound in the northbound lanes near exit 8 (Powell Avenue). His vehicle collided with a 2007 Volvo that was driving northbound in the center lane. Derrico's vehicle then struck the center median.

The driver of the Volvo was unharmed, cops said. 

A Highway Patrol Bureau officer responded and saw flames coming from underneath the hood of Derrico's vehicle, police said. The officer was able to remove Derrico from the car. 

After an investigation, cops determined that Derrico was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He was taken into custody and brought to a nearby hospital for medical observation. 

The Ford impounded for inspection, and cops are unsure where Derrico entered Rt. 135 from.

Derrico is charged with first-degree reckless endangerment, driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and driving the wrong way on a one way street. His arraignment is scheduled for Sunday at First District Court in Hempstead.


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