Cops: 2 Killed in Elmont Crash After Ramming Police Car, Fleeing

Two people who were attempting to flee from police were killed in an early Sunday morning crash in Elmont, Nassau police said.

Eduardo Sosa Zapata, 23, of Westbury, and Jackeline Reyes, 22, of Bellmore, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred at the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Meacham Avenue at about 4:16 a.m., police said.

Prior to the crash, a Nassau County highway police officer had observed Zapata and Reyes arguing in a green 1995 Dodge Caravan in the vicinity of 99 Main Street Hempstead, police said. The officer was out of his car investigating the situation when Zapata backed up and intentionally struck the marked police car twice, police said. The Dodge then fled east on Centre Street, police said. 

Soon after, Fifth Precinct officers observed the Dodge traveling at a high rate of speed west on Hempstead Turnpike when it struck a 2002 Ford that was attempting to turn left onto Hempstead Turnpike from northbound Meacham Avenue, police said.

The crash redirected the Dodge into a nearby utility pole, killing Zapata and Reyes, police said.

The 22-year-old driver of the Ford refused medical attention at the scene, police said.

Both vehicles were impounded for brake and safety checks as the investigation continues.

Google Maps screenshot: The fatal crash occurred at the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Meacham Avenue in Elmont.