Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
Wesley Sitar, 45, of Nesconset was charged with driving while intoxicated after his truck crashed into another vehicle in Dix Hills early Friday morning, leaving a 21-year-old driver with serious injuries, according to police. The collision occurred around 2:20 a.m. on East Jericho Turnpike when Sitar’s 2016 Dodge Ram, traveling eastbound, struck a 2010 Volkswagen that was attempting to turn left onto East Deer Park Road.
The Volkswagen’s driver, Maxx Waite, 21, of Oakdale, sustained serious injuries in the impact and required immediate medical attention, police said. Emergency responders transported Waite by ambulance to Huntington Hospital, where he was being treated for his injuries. The severity of Waite’s condition underscores the violent nature of the collision, which occurred during the early morning hours when traffic is typically light on the busy thoroughfare.
Sitar also required medical treatment following the crash, though his injuries were significantly less severe than those sustained by Waite, according to authorities. The Nesconset man was taken to Huntington Hospital, where he was treated for what police described as minor injuries. Following his medical evaluation, officers charged Sitar with driving while intoxicated, indicating that alcohol was determined to be a factor in the crash.
The collision appeared to be a classic intersection accident, with one vehicle attempting a left turn while another continued straight through. East Jericho Turnpike is known for its heavy traffic volume during peak hours, though the 2:20 a.m. timing would have meant relatively clear roads. The impact was significant enough to seriously injure one driver and damage both vehicles extensively.
Both the 2016 Dodge Ram and the 2010 Volkswagen were impounded by authorities for safety inspections, a standard procedure in serious injury crashes that helps investigators determine if mechanical failure played any role in the collision. The impoundment also preserves evidence that could be crucial in any subsequent legal proceedings or insurance investigations.
Suffolk County Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and are seeking additional information from the public. Authorities have asked anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has relevant information to contact Suffolk Police Second Squad detectives at 631.854.8252. This request for public assistance suggests investigators are working to piece together a complete picture of the events leading up to the crash.
Location & Road Context
The crash occurred on East Jericho Turnpike at its intersection with East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills, a busy corridor that serves as a major east-west route through central Long Island. This section of East Jericho Turnpike carries significant traffic as it connects multiple Suffolk County communities and serves both local commuters and through traffic.
East Jericho Turnpike is a multi-lane roadway that runs for miles across Long Island, and the Dix Hills section where the crash occurred is characterized by commercial and residential development. The intersection with East Deer Park Road is a controlled intersection that handles traffic turning north and south off the main thoroughfare. While traffic is generally lighter during early morning hours, the roadway’s design and traffic patterns can create challenging conditions for drivers attempting left turns across multiple lanes of traffic.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
Sitar is scheduled to be arraigned on Saturday at Suffolk First District Court in Central Islip, where he will face the driving while intoxicated charge stemming from Friday’s crash. The arraignment represents the first formal court appearance in what could become a more serious case depending on the extent of Waite’s injuries and their long-term impact.
The DWI charge indicates that police determined Sitar was operating his vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. The investigation remains active, with Suffolk Police Second Squad detectives continuing to examine evidence and seek additional witness information. The serious nature of Waite’s injuries could potentially lead to upgraded charges if his condition worsens or if the investigation reveals additional factors that contributed to the severity of the crash.
Broader Impact
This incident highlights the particular dangers of impaired driving during early morning hours, when reduced visibility and driver fatigue can compound the effects of alcohol consumption. In New York State, DWI charges carry significant penalties including license suspension, fines, and potential jail time, with enhanced consequences when the offense results in serious physical injury to another person.