Suffolk County Police have arrested Brandon Cumberbatch, a 21 year old Ridge man after a serious car crash injured a seven year old girl in Hauppauge last night. Cumberbatch was arrested and charged with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs.
The impaired 21 year old driver, struck a Toyota minivan with his Chevy Impala, injuring a 40 year old woman and her two children, in front of 525 Route 111 heading southbound, near Wendy’s. The Impala swerved onto the shoulder, over the curb and continued into the Hauppauge Plaza parking lot, where it struck a vacant parked car.
The Smithtown Fire Department was called to the scene for a 16-23, or a Motor Vehicle Accident requesting Ambulance for a possible heavy rescue at approximately 7:15 P.M. Upon arrival, Smithtown Fire Department first responders began work on a multi-vehicle accident with serious injuries.
The driver of the minivan, Arunima Singh and her 18 year old son Avaneesh, were taken to Stony Brook University Hospital by Hauppauge Rescue responders and were treated for minor injuries. Singh’s daughter, seven year Bhaswi was also transported to Stony Brook, in critical condition suffering from a fractured skull and facial injuries.
The impaired driver, Brandon Cumberbatch was taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown for observation. His arraignment will be held at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.
Both vehicles were impounded for a safety check as the investigation continues. The Suffolk County Police Vehicular Crime Unit detectives are asking potential witnesses of this incident to please call 631-852-6555.
* A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.