Nesconset Man Charged After High-Speed Chase, Ghost Gun, Cocaine Recovered: Sheriff

ISLIP, NY — A Nesconset man was arrested in Islip earlier this month after a high-speed chase, crash, and foot pursuit that led to the recovery of a ghost gun and cocaine, according to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a vehicle at approximately 11:45 p.m. Jan. 8 on the Sunrise Highway service road in the Town of Islip after observing multiple traffic violations, including running a red light, making an improper left turn, and traveling about 80 mph in a 35 mph zone, the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities said the driver failed to pull over and fled westbound, reaching speeds of up to 115 mph. Deputies said the vehicle later made an unsafe lane change onto Veterans Memorial Highway and crashed into a FedEx tractor-trailer.

The driver, identified as Justin Guerrero, 40, of Nesconset, then fled the scene on foot but was taken into custody following a pursuit, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the investigation, deputies observed signs of intoxication, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, unsteady movements, and the odor of alcohol, officials said. A search of the vehicle recovered approximately 17 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, baggies, and a non-serialized firearm commonly referred to as a ghost gun, authorities said.

The FedEx truck driver was transported to South Shore University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

Guerrero was charged with driving while intoxicated, first degree; fleeing an officer, third degree; criminal possession of a firearm; and criminal possession of a controlled substance, third degree, among other charges, authorities said.

“I commend these Deputy Sheriffs for their vigilance and professionalism in removing these illegal firearms from our communities,” said Sheriff Errol Toulon. “Ghost guns are especially dangerous because they are untraceable and often linked to serious criminal activity. These recoveries are a result of good police work and our continued commitment to public safety.”