Police ID Man Seriously Hurt In Alleged DWI Crash

MOUNT SINAI, NY – Police say a Port Jefferson Station man was drunk when he crashed his car into the side of a tractor-trailer in a 7-Eleven parking lot early Friday.

According to Suffolk Police, Jose Nunez, 25, was driving a 1999 Honda CRV westbound on Route 25A at Hallock Avenue when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the median, went over a front lawn and into the 7-Eleven parking lot, located at 1 Route 25A in Mount Sinai, where the vehicle sideswiped a light pole and crashed into a parked tractor-trailer at about 2 a.m.

The Honda was stuck in full throttle position, and the engine of the SUV caught fire near the fuel cells of the tractor-trailer, police said.

Sixth Precinct officers, Port Jefferson EMS members, the Mount Sinai Fire Department and the Terryville Fire Department responded and found the Nunez trapped and unconscious.

Sgt. Richard Grice used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire near the engine, while officers Jamie Treadwell and Brian Cann used another fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire near the rear of the vehicle.

Officer Chris Weiner, with assistance from fire department members, kept the driver’s airway open until rescuers, including officers Anthony Buonagurio, Fred Crasa and Thomas Wassmer were able to use the Jaws of Life tool to cut the vehicle and pull Nunez to safety.

Nunez, who regained consciousness during the rescue, was transported by Port Jefferson EMS with serious injuries to Stony Brook University Hospital. There was one person in the tractor-trailer who was not injured.

Nunez was arrested for DWI, police said. Sixth Squad detectives are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information about the crash can call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652.

Photos/video by Bryan Lopez