Drunk Driver Arrested After Crash Injures Two Passengers: Police

WADING RIVER, NY — A drunk driver was arrested after a crash into a utility pole injured his two passengers early Saturday in Wading River, police said.

According to Riverhead Town Police, the crash took place at 12:54 am. on Sound Road and Oliver Street when Paul Armato, 27, of Port Jefferson, who was heading south in a four-door Buick sedan, failed to yield for a stop sign at the intersection of Oliver Street.

Armato then veered off the road and hit a utility pole, police said.

Armato was charged with driving while intoxicated, police said.

Daniel Turano, 27, of Wading River, who was sitting in the backseat, suffered serious head and back injuries and was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment, police said.

Brooke Kibbel, 20, of Miller Place, a front seat passenger, was also transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries to her right knee and left foot; she was treated and released, police said.

Armato, police said, was unhurt in the crash. He was arrested and taken to Riverhead Police headquarters for processing.

Police said it would appear that speed and alcohol were "contributing factors" in the crash.