DWI Driver Plows Through LIE Road Closure, Leaves DOT Worker With Brain Injury: DA

CENTEREACH, NY — A Centereach man has been indicted after prosecutors say he drove drunk through a clearly marked road closure on the Long Island Expressway and seriously injured a Department of Transportation worker, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Joseph Kalinowski, 54, was indicted on multiple charges following the February crash, which authorities said left the victim with severe injuries.

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According to prosecutors, Kalinowski was driving eastbound on the Long Island Expressway around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 26 after drinking alcohol. The DA said he ignored emergency vehicles and traffic control devices marking a road closure and struck a DOT employee who was clearing debris from the roadway.

The victim was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where they were treated for serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and a fractured arm, prosecutors said.

Kalinowski was arraigned on Wednesday before Suffolk County Court Judge Bryan Browns.

He was indicted on multiple charges, which include aggravated Vehicular Assault, a Class C felony; second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony; first-degree vehicular assault, a Class D felony; second-degree vehicular assault, a Class E felony; aggravated driving while intoxicated; two counts of driving while intoxicated; second-degree reckless endangerment and reckless driving.

Judge Browns ordered Kalinowski released under supervision while the case is pending.

He is due back in court on June 3 and faces up to 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge, prosecutors said.

Kalinowski is represented by attorney Harmon Lutzer, who was not immediately available for a request for comment.

“The defendant allegedly chose to drink, chose to get behind the wheel, and then drove through a clearly marked road closure,” Tierney said. “My office will continue to hold drivers accountable when they put the public at risk.”