Police: Southampton Man on Ambien Crashes Car, Flees Scene

A Southampton man driving under the influence of Ambien was arrested after hitting a curb and then fleeing the scene in Shinnecock Hills early Sunday morning.

Rajeev Fernando, 39, was seen by police at about 1:20 a.m. on County Road 39 speeding, losing control of his vehicle and hitting a curb, police said.

The impact damaged a wheel on Fernando’s car, but he drove away from the scene in the disabled vehicle, police said.

After stopping him, an officer found that Fernando was under the influence of Ambien and his registration and license were both suspended, according to police.

He was arrested for driving while ability impaired by drugs, third degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended registration, leaving the scene of an accident and traffic infractions.

Fernando was arrested at the scene, transported to police headquarters for processing and held for morning arraignment.