A Patchogue man is under arrest and facing charges of allegedly driving while ability impaired by drugs and leaving the scene of an accident following an eight-car crash that killed a west Islip man in Sayville Sunday evening.
According to Suffolk Police, Thomas Herman, 46, was driving a Chevrolet Trailblazer westbound on Main Street through Sayville at about 5:10 p.m. when he hit five vehicles. Police said Herman did not stop and than struck a westbound Honda Accord and an eastbound Hyundai Elantra as he attempted to drive between them on West Main Street.
The 82-year-old driver of the Elantra, Sam Longo of West Islip, was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner, according to police.
Ann Gilbert, 79, of Oakdale, a passenger in the Elantra, was transported by Community Ambulance to Southside Hospital where she is being treated for neck and pelvic injuries, according to police, and is listed in critical but stable condition.
Sayville resident Robert Schutt, 49, who was driving the Honda Accord, was treated for minor injuries at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center and released, according to police.
Police said Herman was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center for non-life-threatening neck, facial and internal injuries. Police stated more charges may be filed as this investigation continues.
All vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident or any of the events leading up to this incident to call the Fifth Squad at 631-854-8552.
