Even slight negligence while driving can prove to be fatal. This reality proved true in Long Island during a police chase Saturday night, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.
The details of the accident:
According to authorities, the car involved in the accident was stolen. The mishap occurred at about 11:50 p.m. on Route 25 near Birchwood Park Drive in Middle Island.
Police from Suffolk County reported an officer saw a Nissan Rogue failing to stop at a stop sign. The car was also being driven recklessly on Main Street in Yaphank. The car itself had been reported stolen on Thursday from Montauk Highway in East Patchogue. The driver of the car was identified as a teen named Nahriek Belford, 17.
The police officer tried to stop the car; however, the driver chose to flee. This is when the officer started chasing the car and called for the backup, say the police.
The accident resulted when the stolen Nissan struck a Honda CRV turning left on to Birchwood Park Drive, as the Nissan sped west on Route 25.
What about the casualties and injuries?
The accident claimed three lives. One of the victims isNahriek Belford’s own brother, Angelo Belford, 16, who was riding in the Nissan. The other two people who died in this crash are Jerry Weingarten, 72, and Randee Weingarten, 71; the couple was in the CRV. All three victims died at the scene.
Two passengers in the Nissan suffered serious, but non-life threatening injuries, in this crash. Both of them were immediately rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment.
What else?
The police have impounded both vehicles for a safety check. Nahriek Belford has been charged by the police with one count of reckless endangerment. These charges are expected to be upgraded by the police. Since it was a single officer in the chase, Suffolk County police have initiated investigations to see if pursuit protocols were followed or not.
The detectives are requesting anybody who is an eye-witness to this fatal motor vehicle accident to please contact them.