Smithtown Park Ranger Injured Trying To Apprehend Drunken Driver: Town

SAINT JAMES, NY — A Town of Smithtown park ranger was injured in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a drunken driver on Saturday night, the township announced.

Park Ranger Leyland Crocilla was on routine patrol when he saw a 2018 Subaru with substantial front-end damage traveling north on Landing Avenue at 7:53 p.m. Saturday, the town stated. As the driver of the vehicle tried to turn eastbound onto Edgewood Avenue, he struck a westbound vehicle and drove away, the town said.

Crocilla immediately initiated a vehicle and traffic stop, the town stated. The driver, Gregory Babigian, 72, of St. James, initially stopped but then reversed and rammed the park ranger’s marked vehicle before driving away, officials said. Babigian repeated this act two more times before his vehicle became disabled, the town stated.

Babigian was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, assault, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and leaving the scene of an accident, the town stated.

The Suffolk County Police Department additionally charged Babigian with second-degree assault, second-degree reckless endangerment and criminal michisef, the department told Patch.

Crocilla and Babigian were both transported to local hospitals and later released with injuries that are not life-threatening, the town stated.

"First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful that Park Ranger Crocilla, and all others involved, are safe and on the road to recovery," Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim stated in a news release. "His courageous decision to put himself in harm’s way to stop a dangerous drunk driver speaks volumes about his bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community. His swift and heroic actions undoubtedly saved lives last night. On behalf of a deeply appreciative community, we salute Park Ranger Crocilla for his outstanding service and commitment to keeping us safe. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery. I also want to commend the entire Department of Public Safety for their tireless efforts in maintaining order, deterring crime, and supporting our law enforcement agencies around the clock. Having a highly trained, well-equipped, and dedicated public safety team working alongside SCPD — whether on land or sea — is a tremendous asset to our town. Their commitment ensures the safety and well-being of our residents every single day."

Tom Lohmann, director of the Smithtown Public Safety Department, said he is grateful that Crocilla and no other motorists were seriously injured.

"This situation could have had a far worse outcome, and I am relieved that everyone involved is on the road to recovery," Lohmann said. "This incident serves as yet another example of the outstanding work performed by the dedicated men and women of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety. Their commitment to protecting our community, responding to emergencies, and upholding public safety is truly commendable."

The Smithtown Park Ranger Division consists of trained, uniformed law enforcement personnel who patrol all town parks, beaches, and town-owned facilities.

As New York State Peace Officers, park rangers are authorized to enforce state and local laws, including the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, Penal Law, and Environmental Conservation Law.

They play a critical role in "preserving town property, deterring crime, responding to emergencies, and working in close coordination with the Suffolk County Police Department, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and other law enforcement agencies," the Town of Smithtown stated.

This incident, the town wrote, "highlights the importance" of the The Department of Public Safety and its five operating divisions: in ensuring public safety.

"The Town of Smithtown remains committed to supporting our law enforcement personnel and providing the resources necessary to maintain the highest level of public safety for all residents," the town stated.