Suffolk County Police officers arrested Brentwood resident, Orvin Antonio Gabriel, for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The arrest took place after Gabriel crashed into an idle Police car and a civilian vehicle which had been pulled over by officers prior to the crash. The three-vehicle crash left two police officers injured and the a man and woman in the other car, in critical condition.
Gabriel was driving a 2001 Toyota Corolla, heading westbound on Route 347, just east of Route 111 in Hauppauge, when his car hit the back of a police car, at 8:40 P.M. last night. The unoccupied police car ricocheted, striking the two officers and two civilians, who were previously stopped by police for a vehicle and traffic infraction. Drug paraphernalia and a quantity of heroin was discovered during the traffic stop.
A Suffolk County Police helicopter transported the critically injured civilians, Levittown resident, Samantha Koppen, 25 and Chad Jackowski, 37, from Farmingdale to Stony Brook University Hospital. The two suffered multiple internal injuries and are listed in serious condition.
Fourth Precinct Police Officers John Kurklen and Adam Tuthill were taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown where they were treated and released.
Gabriel is being held at the Fourth Precinct. He is charged with Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Operation of Vehicles when Approaching a Parked, Stopped or a Standing Authorized Emergency Vehicle or Hazard Vehicle. The 24 year old is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip today, September 2.
All three vehicles were impounded for safety checks and the investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact the Vehicular Crime Unit at 631-852-6555.
Suffolk County Police officials would like to remind our readers that all criminal charges are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.