Suffolk County Police Officer Charged After Drunken Crash Leaves 1 Person Seriously Injured: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Suffolk County Police Officer has been indicted in connection with crashing his car into a pedestrian, who was seriously injured, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.

Alexander Vargas, 30, of Babylon, was indicted for second-degree vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated, Tierney said.

“Impaired driving and reckless behavior behind the wheel are not tolerated in Suffolk County
regardless of the defendant’s occupation,” said Tierney. “The safety of our community’s pedestrians and motorists depends on our collective commitment to responsible driving, and we will not waver in upholding that standard.”

According to the investigation, during the overnight hours of June 22, Vargas was allegedly
driving a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro above the speed limit southbound on New York Avenue in
Huntington Village, prosecutors said.

When Vargas got to New York Avenue and Carver Street, he allegedly struck a 28-year-old man who was attempting to cross the street, Tierney said.

Suffolk County Police officers responded to the scene within minutes and found Vargas a block away
from the crash site in his parked car. He was allegedly intoxicated and was placed under arrest, Tierney said.

The victim was transported to Huntington Hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries
which included fractures to his clavicle, hand, finger and cervical spine, and a head laceration that
required staples, prosecutors said.

Vargas is due back in court on November 13, and faces 1 1/3 to four years in prison if convicted on the top count.

He is being represented by attorney Steven Politi.