4 Hurt In Boat Crash; Suffolk Police Detective Charged With Boating While Intoxicated

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A Suffolk County Police detective was charged with boating while intoxicated Sunday after his vessel crashed into another boat in Shinnecock Bay, injuring four people, police said.

According to Southampton Town Police Lt. Susan Ralph, the call came in Saturday at 4:47 p.m. about a boating collision in Shinnecock Bay off Tiana Point.

Christopher Koltzan, 46, of East Quogue, was arrested, charged with boating while intoxicated, and issued an appearance ticket, police said.

"The Suffolk County Police Department is aware of the charge against Christopher Koltzan and we are taking all appropriate actions," Assistant Police Commissioner Justin Meyers told Patch in a statement. "Koltzan has been suspended from the department without pay, and an SCPD internal affairs investigation has been opened and is underway."

A 26-foot Boston Whaler and a 27-foot Albermarle, both recreational vessels, collided; the Albermarle had 10 people aboard, Ralph said.

"We know the two boats collided," Southampton Police Chief Steven Skrynecki said. "Both were underway and in motion; neither one was stationary. As a result of the collision, three individuals from the other boat were thrown into the water."

The U.S. Coast Guard and Southampton Bay constables responded to the scene; units were also on land to assist with the injured, Skrynecki said. An investigation followed that led to Kotlzan, who was alone on his vessel being charged, he said.

The driver of the other boat was 78 and boating with friends and family, Skrynecki said; all injuries suffered were "relatively minor."

When asked if a breathalyzer was done at the scene, Skrynecki said he was not comfortable commenting "on evidence," but said those details will emerge in court.

On the issue of BWI, Skrynecki said he would be asking town bay constables to be "as attentive as possible to BWI. It is a concern of mine. This collision is an illustration of what can happen. It's fortunate that no one was seriously hurt. It could have been a very different outcome, if someone is thrown into the water that couldn't swim — a myriad of really horrific things could occur."

Skrynecki also commended Southampton Town bay constables who are "diligent and dedicated, out there every day. I've observed them as a citizen and a chief — they're a very good resource for this town," he said.

A total of four people, including the three ejected and the driver of the Boston Whaler were taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries, she said.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible, police said.