Police Officer Hurt In Crash Heads From Hospital To Rehab: Video

RIVERHEAD, NY — A police officer seriously injured in a Riverhead crash has been released from Stony Brook University Hospital and has embarked upon the next stage of his recovery.

Riverhead Police Officer Robert Sproston was discharged on April 24 and, as he left the hospital, was honored by members of the Suffolk County Police Conference — an emotional moment captured on video.

"The outpouring of support for Rob has been nothing less than remarkable," said Dennis M. Cavanagh, president of the Suffolk County Police Conference in a Facebook post. "I personally want to thank all departments and others that have taken time out of their busy lives during these most challenging times, donated meals for his family, sat with them at the hospital and made very generous donations to the GoFundMe page and to accounts set in his name."

He added: "Although we know this tough kid has a long way to go, he...has begun the rehabilitation phase at St. Charles Hospital. To Rob, we are here for you, we know how strong you are and that the toughness you are instilled with as a police officer and that 'ole Marine Corps spirit' will guide you to recovery. Semper Fi and godspeed, my brother. We will always be here for you and your family. Ooo-raahh!"

The community has come together to help Sproston, who was airlifted with serious injuries after a March 31 crash following a pursuit that led from Southold to Riverhead.

A GoFundMe page, "Sproston Strong," was created by Lucia Barrella for Riverhead Police Officer Robert Sproston, who was hurt in the crash.

"Robbie to everyone is a wonderful, caring, loving friend," she said. "He is a Marine, a Riverhead police officer, a former Rocky Point firefighter and current Riverhead firefighter. That alone shows how much Robbie cares about serving and protecting our communities," she said.

After the crash, Sproston, she said, spent time in ICU "getting the best possible care and treatment he can in order to overcome all of his injuries."

The page was created, she said, to support Sproston emotionally and financially — so that when he is released from the hospital, "he can find comfort in knowing he is financially stable for months to come while recovering. This will take the financial burden away from him, as he has a long journey ahead due to the extent of his injuries. It's our time to support and care for him as he has done for us over the years. Please pray for Robbie and his family during this time."

To donate, click here.

According to Riverhead Police, the crash took place on Osborn Ave. near Youngs Ave. when the pursuit entered into the Riverhead Police jurisdiction from Sound Avenue.

Several agencies were involved in the pursuit, attempting to stop the vehicle; Sproston was in a marked car with its emergency lights activated and was heading north on Youngs Ave. when he attempted to pass a second vehicle that was traveling north, police said. As that vehicle attempted to make a left onto Youngs Ave., the two vehicles collided, police said.

As a result of the collision, the police car left the roadway and struck a fence on the west side of Osborn Ave. just north of Young Ave., police said.

Sproston sustained serious physical injuries; he was treated on the scene by Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was first transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center, then flown by medevac to Stony Brook University Hospital due to the extent of his injuries, police said.

The driver of the second vehicle was not injured, police said.

The vehicle that was being pursued turned southbound on Doctors Path and continued south onto Northville Turnpike and then onto Roanoke Ave, police said. The driver then fled from the vehicle on foot near the 1st St. parking lot and initially remained at large, police said.

According to Southold Town police, Alfred A. Cowell, 40, was arrested on April 2 at 5:19 p.m. and charged with a host of crimes.

Police said on March 31, Cowell stole a blue 2020 Nissan Rogue from a Greenport resident. A Southold patrol officer caught up with Cowell and attempted to stop him, but Cowell sped off and headed west on Route 48, police said. Cowell reached speeds of more than 100 mph and at one point crossed over into the eastbound lane and drove against traffic, police said.

Cowell nearly missed colliding with several other drivers before Southold officers ended the pursuit over safety concerns, police said. He continued into Riverhead, where he encountered New York State Police and Riverhead police, police said.

Cowell made it to the 1st St. parking lot, where he ditched the vehicle and ran off, police said.

On April 2, Suffolk County Sheriff's deputies were conducting a narcotics investigation in the Middle Island area, when, at 2 p.m., they spotted an individual matching Cowell's description and arrested him, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon said.

Cowell was charged with burglary, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawfully fleeing police, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and a number of traffic infractions, police said.

"This is a fine example of interagency collaboration that ultimately led to the arrest of this suspect whose callous actions caused life-threatening injuries to an officer," Toulon said. "I am proud of the deputies for their excellent work and role in bringing this individual to justice."

Riverhead police Chief David Hegermiller agreed.

"Thanks to all of the law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest of Alfred Cowell of whose alleged criminal and careless actions precipitated the motor vehicle accident that seriously injured one of Riverhead's finest," he said.

"A terrible accident," Riverhead Town Councilwoman Jodi Giglio said, sending her thoughts to Sproston after the crash. "My prayers are with him and his family and all of our men and women in blue. Lord watch over them."