Suffolk County police have arrested a Huntington Station woman for stealing $15,000.
Andrea Echevarria stole the personal identifying information of three people from customer records kept by her former employer, Deer Park PTDC, a physical therapy office on Deer Park Avenue. She used the information to open a line of credit, then used the line of credit for cosmetic surgery totaling $15,000, according to police.
After a nine-month investigation by 2nd Squad detectives and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, Echevarria, 33, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree identity theft and one count of second-degree identity theft. Echevarria was held overnight at the 4th Precinct and was scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip Sept. 19.
Suffolk County Police 5th Squad detectives are investigating a crash that killed a motorcyclist in Ronkonkoma Sept. 15.
Richard Schmansky was traveling southbound on Smithtown Avenue near 2nd Street when his 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle collided with a 2001 Nissan Altima that was also traveling southbound at approximately 7:50 p.m.
Schmansky, 58, of Centereach, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Nissan, Jamese Chetuck, 22, of Coram, remained at the scene and was uninjured.
Both vehicles were impounded for a safety check. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information on this crash is asked to contact the 5th Squad at 631-854-8552.
A 10-year-old Kings Park boy struck by an SUV on his way to the school bus was airlifted to Stony Brook Hospital with serious injuries, according to Suffolk County Police.
Police said a William T. Rogers Middle School student was walking across First Avenue, near Carlson Avenue, at about 7:54 a.m. Sept. 15 to board his school bus, police said. The bus had its flashing red lights on and stop sign activated to warn approaching motorists.
Pasquale Izzo, 81, of Kings Park, was driving a 1998 Dodge Durango northbound on First Avenue when he allegedly attempted to pass the school bus, and ignored its flashing lights. Izzo failed to stop his vehicle and struck the student, according to police.
NYSDMV on sharing the road with buses
When a stopped school bus flashes its red light(s), traffic that approaches from either direction, even in front of the school and in school parking lots, vehicles must stop before it reaching the bus. Drivers should stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.
Before a school bus stops to load or discharge passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights. Then, decrease speed and be prepared to stop.
When you stop for a school bus, do not drive again until the red lights stop flashing or when the bus driver or a traffic officer signals the you can proceed.. You must stop for a school bus even if it is on the opposite side of a divided highway.
After stopping for a school bus, look for children along the side of the road. Drive slowly until have passed them.
The 10-year-old boy was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries, according to police. Izzo was not injured.
Kings Park Superintendent Timothy Eagen notified district parents that it has additional mental health staff available at the middle school to provide additional support to those students who witnessed the accident, students who know the injured student and anyone else as needed.
“Unfortunately, this incident is a terrible reminder that we cannot always assume that motorists will follow traffic safety rules at all times,” Eagen said in a message posted on the district’s website.
Under New York State Law, drivers who pass a stopped school bus can be fined $250 for the first violation and face up to a maximum fine of $1,000 for three violations in less than three years. Individuals convicted of three violations in a three-year span may have their driver’s license revoked.
Kings Park School District announced the bus’s route has been changed in effort to avoid any potential future tragic accidents at the intersection, and so the student involved and those who witnessed the accident don’t have to return to the scene of the accident on a daily basis.
The neighboring Commack Union-Free School District sent out an email to parents reminding them to, “Please drive slowly with no distractions, and be especially vigilant of where our precious children are playing, walking, riding or standing.”
Most school bus-related deaths and injuries occur when children are loading or unloading from a bus, according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle’s website, not in collisions that involve school buses.
The driver’s vehicle has been impounded for safety checks and the incident is under investigation. Suffolk County’s 4th Squad Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the accident to call 631-854-8452.
Huntington Manor Fire Department members unveil the new sign at the entrance of the newly-named Depot Road Richard W. Holst Memorial Park. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Eight years after the tragic death of a Huntington Manor firefighter, a town park has been renamed to honor his service to the community.
Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone (D) and the town board announced Depot Road Park is now officially Richard W. Holst Memorial Park, renamed after the late fire police captain, chaplain, and posthumous honorary chief of Huntington Manor Fire Department.
“It is our honor to rededicate this park in his name for his heroic efforts and his giving to this community, continuously,” Petrone said.
Noreen Holst, Huntington Town Board members and Huntington Manor Fire Department members unveil a memorial plaque dedicated to Richard W. Holst. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Holst, a U.S. Navy veteran, joined the Huntington Manor fire department in 1978. He served for 31 years, spending 26 of those as the department’s chaplain and captain of the fire police. Prior to his death, Holst was elected chief chaplain of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains in 2008. His fellow firefighters affectionately called him, “the Rev.”
“As chaplain, Rich spent countless hours looking after, comforting and at times consoling members and families of the Huntington Manor Fire Department,” said Jon Hoffman, first assistant chief of Huntington Manor Fire Department. “Today, we dedicate this stone and plaque in honor of Richie. It will stay here for years and watch over the people in this park as Richie did for us for so many years.”
In the early morning of Sept. 9, 2009, Holst was walking to 7-Eleven on Depot Road when he saw smoke rising from the adjacent shopping center. He reported the fire and immediately went to the scene to begin evacuation of the stores and checking for possible trapped occupants. Shortly after firefighters arrived, Holst suffered a heart attack and died.
The fire was determined to have started in Uber Cafe, a bagel shop, and police later ruled the incident arson, Petrone said. One of the shop’s owners pled guilty to attempted arson, the second owner was later convicted of arson.
Depot Road Park in Huntington was renamed for former Huntington Manor Fire Department member Richard W. Holst.
The newly renamed Huntington Station park off East 20th Street is only a few hundred feet from the site of the fatal fire. It features a playground and Little League baseball fields.
“Depot Road Park is a special place, it’s a hidden gem in our park system,” Councilman Mark Cuthbertson (D) said. “I think like many of you firefighters who knew Chief Holst, he was a hidden gem in our community. He was someone who was there to serve, dedicated his life to service in the [U.S.] Navy and in the fire department, then the important role of chaplain. So much of his time was dedicated to others.”
In addition to the park’s new signage, a large stone was unveiled bearing a memorial plaque with Holt’s image, notes about his accomplishments and details about his death. Deacon Edward Billia from St. Hugh of Lincoln Roman Catholic Church said a blessing over both the sign and memorial stone.
Noreen Holst appeared deeply touched by the tribute paid to her late husband. While she declined to speak publicly, she clutched a tissue in hand while Huntington Manor Assistant Chief Chuck Brady thanked all those who attended Saturday’s ceremony on behalf of the family.
Huntington Manor Fire Commissioner Chris Fusaro encouraged the young members of the organization to take a long look around at those gathered and ask to hear personal stories about Holst’s exemplary life.
“For all you who don’t know what firefighters do, it’s day and night, holidays and weekends when you get up from the table, get out of bed to go and respond,” Fusaro said. “Rich did that. He did it willingly and always from his heart.”
Huntington Manor firefighters salute their former colleague. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
A rendering of what the front of the proposed new St. James firehouse would look like. Image from St. James Fire District
St. James residents are being asked to vote Sept. 19 on whether to fund a new fire department building.
St. James fire commissioners are proposing a $12.25 million capital bond project to build a new 22,458-square-foot Jefferson Avenue facility.
The proposed Jefferson Avenue facility would be more than three times the size of the existing 7,407-square-foot building. The additional space would include spaces to serve as accommodations for firefighters and community members during storms or major emergencies, in addition to a meeting room for district and public use. It would be built in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as the current firehouse is not.
The estimated cost of the proposed plan to consolidate to one Jefferson Avenue facility would be an increase of approximately $118 to $198 a year for taxpayers based on their home’s assessed value.
Polls will be open Sept. 19 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Jefferson Avenue firehouse, located at 221 Jefferson Ave. in St. James. Residents in Election District 79 can vote at the Fairfield Condos in St. James.
Suffolk County police arrested an Amityville woman, who is an employee of United Cerebral Palsy, for falsely reporting an incident about a sexual offense between an employee and a resident at the group home Sept. 13.
An anonymous caller made an allegation to the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs that a male employee of a United Cerebral Palsy residence, on Indian Head Road in Commack, inappropriately touched a female resident of the home. An investigation 4th Squad detectives determined the anonymous caller was another employee, Judy Campbell. Campbell, who had previously dated the male employee, admitted she lied about the allegation. A further investigation concluded no abuse occurred.
Campbell, 53, was arrested and charged with third-degree falsely reporting an incident. Campbell will be arraigned today at First District Court in Central Islip.
Members of the Port Jefferson Fire Department salute fallen firefighters from Brookhaven Town while their names are read aloud. Photo by Alex Petroski
Wreaths are laid on a monument outside of the Port Jefferson Fire Department during an annual memorial service. Photo by Alex Petroski
Members of the Port Jefferson Fire Department salute fallen firefighters from Brookhaven Town while their names are read aloud. Photo by Alex Petroski
The Port Jefferson Middle School Orchestra plays during the 9/11 memorial service at the fire department. Photo by Alex Petroski
Members of the Port Jefferson Fire Department salute fallen firefighters from Brookhaven Town while their names are read aloud. Photo by Alex Petroski
A bell rings to commemorate each Brookhaven Town resident who died Sept. 11, 2001. Photo by Alex Petroski
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony Sept. 11 at the district’s 9/11 Memorial Park located at 394 Nicolls Road in Stony Brook. Photo by Greg Catalano
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
State Sen. Ken Lavalle speaks during a 9/11 memorial ceremony at the Rocky Point Fire Department. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gather at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives. Photo by Kevin Redding
Hundreds of Huntington residents attend "We Stand United In Love," a multi-faith candlelight prayer service remembering 9/11 and its victims in Heckscher Park Sept. 11. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Hundreds of Huntington residents attend "We Stand United In Love," a multi-faith candlelight prayer service remembering 9/11 and its victims in Heckscher Park Sept. 11. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Hundreds of Huntington residents attend "We Stand United In Love," a multi-faith candlelight prayer service remembering 9/11 and its victims in Heckscher Park Sept. 11. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Hundreds of Huntington residents attend "We Stand United In Love," a multi-faith candlelight prayer service remembering 9/11 and its victims in Heckscher Park Sept. 11. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Hundreds of Huntington residents attend "We Stand United In Love," a multi-faith candlelight prayer service remembering 9/11 and its victims in Heckscher Park Sept. 11. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Hundreds of Huntington residents attend "We Stand United In Love," a multi-faith candlelight prayer service remembering 9/11 and its victims in Heckscher Park Sept. 11. Photo by Sara-Megan Walsh
Remembrances and memorials were held across the North Shore Monday to honor those lost as a result of the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001.
The Port Jefferson Fire Department held its annual 9/11 ceremony on the grounds of the department. The department’s flag was raised to half mast, a bell was rung to remember each of the Brookhaven Town residents who died that day and the Port Jefferson Middle School Orchestra accompanied the event with performances.
The Setauket Fire District held its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the district’s Memorial Park on Nicolls Road in Stony Brook.
Residents, elected officials and firefighters from Rocky Point, Shoreham, Miller Place and beyond gathered at the Rocky Point Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Ceremony to honor those who lost their lives.
Hundreds of Huntington residents attended “We Stand United In Love,” a multi-faith candlelight prayer service remembering 9/11 and its victims in Heckscher Park.
This version will be updated with photos from more events.
Suffolk County Police arrested a man for driving while intoxicated after a crash that seriously injured a pedestrian in Coram Sept. 10.
Robert Slawinski’s mugshot. Photo from SCPD
Robert Slawinski was driving a 2010 Jeep Wrangler southbound on Old Town Road, near Hyson Way, when the vehicle struck Anthony Loiodici who was walking on the shoulder of the roadway at approximately 10:20 p.m. Slawinski fled the scene, but called 911 about an hour later to report hitting something on Old Town Road.
Loiodici, 48, of Medford, was transported by Selden Fire Department ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital in critical condition. Slawinski, and a passenger in the vehicle, Molly Toye, 31, of Oneonta, New York were not injured.
Sixth Squad detectives arrested Slawinski, 47, of Mastic, and charged him with driving while intoxicated. Slawinski was held overnight at the 6th Precinct. He is scheduled for arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip today, Sept. 11.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS (8477).
Suffolk County Police 6th Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a motorcyclist in Selden Sept. 10.
Jared Tepperman was riding a 2001 Honda motorcycle northbound on Boyle Road when his motorcycle struck a 2010 Honda Accord, which was also traveling northbound, at the intersection of Hemlock Street at approximately 4:10 p.m.
Tepperman, 21, of Smithtown, was transported via Selden Fire Department ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Honda, Stacey Rios, 44, and her passenger, Daniel Loria, 45, both of Selden, were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Detectives are seeking the identity of another motorcyclist who was involved in the incident and fled the scene prior to police arrival.
Both vehicles were impounded for a safety check. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the 6th Squad at 631-854-8652.
Asharoken Village beach. File photo by Victoria Espinoza
Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers rescued five men after their boat struck a rock and began taking on water in the Long Island Sound Sept. 9.
Francisco Aguilar and four friends were on a fishing trip in a 20-foot Pro Line runabout when the boat struck a submerged rock, damaging the engine’s lower unit and breaching the hull, causing the vessel to take on water.
Alerted by a 911 call, Marine Bureau officers responded aboard Marine Bravo. Marine Delta, the U.S. Coast Guard, Huntington Harbormaster, Asharoken Police Department and a SCPD helicopter also were dispatched. Asharoken police spotted the disabled vessel from shore and guided Marine Bravo to the location.
Arriving about seven minutes after being dispatched, Marine Bureau officers Charles Marchiselli and Erik Johnson took Aguilar, 34, and the four other men, Walter Sanchez, 19; and brothers Banos Villalobos, 25; Jose Villalobos, 29; and Elmer Villalobos, 22, aboard the police boat. The Marine Bureau crew began efforts to keep the men’s boat from sinking, securing the vessel to the police boat and setting up a dewatering pump. Once the vessel was stabilized and in tow, the five men, all from Brentwood, were transported to Soundview Ramp in Northport.
Conditions at the time of the rescue were northwest winds of 15 knots and 3 to 4 foot seas. There were no injuries and all of the men refused medical attention. Aguilar was issued two summonses for violations of the New York State Navigation Laws.
The Suffolk Police Marine Bureau reminds boaters to check the marine weather forecast before boating, make sure that properly-sized life jackets are available for all passengers, and to check that all legally-required safety equipment is carried aboard, serviceable and accessible.
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