A Riverhead man was indicted for crossing into the opposing lanes of traffic while intoxicated at a high rate of speed on Quogue Riverhead Road, causing a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in injuries to multiple people.
On November 29, 2025, at approximately 7:46 p.m., Erik Yat Velasquez was operating a 2015 Jeep northbound on Quogue Riverhead Road at a high rate of speed when he allegedly crossed over the double yellow lines, sideswiped one vehicle, and then crashed head-on into a second car. The two occupants of the first vehicle, as well as Yat Velasquez’s own passenger, were transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The two occupants of the vehicle that was struck head-on were also transported to a local hospital, where they were treated for serious physical injuries. The driver of that vehicle sustained a fractured clavicle and a punctured lung. The passenger sustained a broken arm, internal bleeding, and a serious head injury, all of which required multiple surgeries. Currently, the passenger does not have vision in one eye.
Yat Velasquez was also taken to a hospital for his own medical treatment for injuries he sustained in the crash. Law enforcement observed Yat Velasquez displaying signs of intoxication, and he was placed under arrest by the Southampton Town Police Department.
On February 4, 2026, Yat Velasquez, 22, was arraigned before County Court Judge Bryan L. Browns for the following charges contained in the indictment:
- three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, all Class C felonies
- two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, both Class D violent felonies
- three counts of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree, all Class D felonies
- two counts of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, both Class E felonies
- three counts of Assault in the Third Degree, all Class A misdemeanors
- one count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, an Unclassified misdemeanor
- two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, both Unclassified misdemeanors
- one count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor
“The defendant’s alleged decision to drink and drive caused significant injuries to many people in this case,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “The charges brought forth in this indictment reflect the severity of the defendant’s actions and my office’s continued commitment to protect the public from reckless and dangerous drivers. Impaired or intoxicated driving will not be tolerated on our roadways.”
Browns ordered Yat Velasquez to be placed on supervised release and suspended his license. He is due back in court on March 3, 2026, and faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count.