Police Officer, Driver Careen Into House After Crash: Cops

WADING RIVER, NY — A police officer involved in a 2-car crash in Wading River Thursday was one of two drivers that careened into a private home, authorities said.

According to Riverhead Town Police, on Thursday at 2:14 p.m. a patrol car driven by Police Officer Christopher Pendzick was involved in a crash while responding to an emergency call for service.

Pendzick was traveling north on Hulse Landing Road in Wading River while approaching a 2003 Infinity driven by Benjamin Simone, 19, of Wading River, police said.

With his emergency lights and sirens activated, Pendzick was attempting to pass Simone's vehicle on the left when Simone turned his vehicle left onto 20th Street, police said.

Upon impact, both vehicles left the roadway and careened into the side yard of a home on 20th Street, police said. Both vehicles came to a stop when striking a small yard shed and the residence itself, police said.

Although the home occupied at the time, no one was injured within the residence, police said.

Pendzick and Simone received minor injuries, were transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment and were later released, police said.

The Riverhead Police Department's detective division responded to the scene and conducted an investigation, police said.

Any witnesses to the crash are asked contact the Riverhead Police Department's detective division at 631 727-4500 ext. 321.