Drunk East Hampton Woman Crashes into Oncoming Vehicle: Police

An East Hampton woman drove drunk and crashed her car into another vehicle on Friday night, police said.

According to East Hampton Town police, Melissa A. Steele, 32,, was driving a 2004 black Pontiac sedan south on Springs Fireplace Road near Sand Lot Road at 11:04 p.m. when she failed to maintain her lane, crossed over the double yellow line, and collided with a second car heading north.

Steele, police said, told the officer that she was driving when the vehicle in front of her stopped short, causing her to rear end the vehicle.

But, police said, upon investigation it was determined that both vehicles had only sustained front end damage, and that Steele had crossed over into on the opposite lane, sideswiping the other car. Both cars had damage to the front driver’s side, police said.

Steele, police said, had a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on her breath,” as well as slurred speech and bloodshot, glassy eyes.

Both drivers were injured but no life-threatening injuries were reported, police said.

Steele was charged with DWI, a felony, based on having a prior conviction within the past 10 years, police said.