A Nesconset man was arrested after he fled from police and crashed his car into a marked police vehicle and a disabled motor vehicle early Wednesday morning, according to police officials.
Steven Keating, 44, was driving a 1994 Ford Ranger southbound on Hawkins Avenue in Ronkonkoma when a police officer noticed him driving erratically at approximately 2 a.m.
As the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, Keating fled. Sixth Precinct police officers assisted in the pursuit, which continued onto Express Drive South and then onto the Long Island Expressway.
During the pursuit, Keating struck a marked police car. Stop sticks were deployed on the Expressway near exit 66 and the truck's tire came off near exit 67 leaving only the rim. The vehicle then exited the Expressway at exit 68 and continued eastbound on Express Drive South. He was taken into custody when he crashed his vehicle into an occupied disabled motor vehicle that was on Express Drive South, near William Floyd Parkway, Shirley.
The officer who was in the police car that was struck by Keating's vehicle was transported to St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. The disabled motorist was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. Keating was transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue. All were treated for minor injuries.
Keating, of Smithtown Blvd., Nesconset, who had multiple outstanding warrants issued by the NYPD, was charged with driving while intoxicated, unlawfully fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, criminal mischief third degree, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle first degree, reckless driving, and assault second degree.
The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Sixth Squad at 631-854-8652 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
