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A car crash early Friday morning left a 21-year-old man seriously injured and a 45-year-old facing multiple charges.
Police say that Wesley Sitar, of Nesconset, was arrested around 2:30 a.m. after allegedly driving drunk and crashing into another vehicle on East Deer Park Road. The driver of the other car, Maxx Waite, of Oakdale, suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Investigators said the crash occurred as Sitar attempted to turn from westbound East Jericho Turnpike.
Mario Rapo, manager at nearby Maddaloni Jewelers, described the intersection as dangerous, especially at night.
“This intersection is always lethal. Not only just in the daytime. It’s not an easy place to be around or drive around, especially at night,” Rapo said. He added that reckless driving, like cutting off half a car, is “insanity” in the early hours when visibility is low.
Sitar was arraigned Saturday morning and faces charges of driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a weapon for allegedly having a billy club in his car.
Residents say the crash serves as a reminder to make safer choices.
“Nobody should get behind the wheel. There’s a lot of other alternatives like Uber, taxis, call a friend if you need to,” said Lori Palamenghi of Elwood.