MIDDLE ISLAND, NY – According to Longisland.com, two vehicles were involved in a fatal collision on Route 25. Three people died in the crash, and two others sustained severe injuries. According to the Suffolk County Police, at about 11:45 pm, an officer saw a grey 2015 Nissan Rogue drive through a stop sign. The vehicle […]
Vehicle collision on Middle Island
MIDDLE ISLAND, NY – According to Longisland.com, two vehicles were involved in a fatal collision on Route 25. Three people died in the crash, and two others sustained severe injuries. According to the Suffolk County Police, at about 11:45 pm, an officer saw a grey 2015 Nissan Rogue drive through a stop sign. The vehicle was reportedly driving recklessly, and officers say the Nissan had been reported stolen last Thursday.
The officer attempted to stop the Nissan, but the driver fled. The officer followed in pursuit and requested backup. About five minutes after running the stop sign, the Nissan hit a 2009 Honda CRV that was making a left turn from Route 25 onto Birchwood Park Drive.
The couple in the Honda, 74-year-old Jerome Weingarten and 71-year-old Randee Weingarten were both killed in the collision. Angelo Belford, 19, was a passenger in the Nissan, and also died at the scene of the crash.
The driver of the Nissan, 17-year-old Nahriek Belford, was taken to the Stony Brook University Hospital along with another passenger in the Nissan. Both suffered serious injuries.
Belford is facing charges for the deadly crash. Police have already charged him with reckless driving, but additional charges will likely be filed.
The investigation is still underway, and police are requesting information from anyone who witnessed the crash.
Police chases have become extremely controversial as they often put innocent bystanders at risk and in many cases, the person being pursued is only suspected of a minor crime. Many police departments have strict rules regarding when they can engage in a car chase.
