On Monday, prosecutors announced that Suffolk County officers could face up to four years in prison for allegedly driving under the influence and hitting a 28-year-old pedestrian.
Alexander Vargas, 30, has been charged with assault and operating a vehicle while intoxicated during an incident in Huntington Village back in June. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this.
“We won’t tolerate impaired or reckless driving in Suffolk County, no matter the offender’s job,” said Suffolk DA Ray Tienary.
“Keeping our pedestrians and drivers safe relies on all of us taking responsible driving seriously. We’re committed to upholding that standard,” he added.
Vargas was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro when he struck a pedestrian at the intersection of New York Avenue and Carver Street around 2:30 am on June 22, according to prosecutors.
The victim suffered multiple injuries, including a broken collarbone, hands, fingers, cervical vertebrae, and head injuries. He was transported to Huntington Hospital for treatment.
When officers responded to the scene, they found Vargas intoxicated and sitting in his parked vehicle. They subsequently detained him for both assault and DWI.
Prosecutors alleged that Vargas was speeding and drinking when he hit the 28-year-old.
After his arrest, Vargas’s driver’s license was suspended due to the charges against him.
Authorities did not provide immediate updates on Vargas’s current status. He was released without bail because the crime, per state criminal justice reforms, did not allow for bail, and he is scheduled to return to court on November 13.
