Driver Was Impaired by Alcohol and PCP
A Bellport man pleaded guilty for his role in a motor vehicle crash that seriously injured a pedestrian.
On May 20, 2023, at approximately 5:40 a.m., the victim was walking at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Agamemnon Avenue in Bellport. Michael Turner, who was driving a 2008 Chevy Impala, struck the victim with his vehicle and then drove away without stopping to render aid or call 911. The victim sustained serious injuries from the collision including multiple fractures to his skull, back, and leg, and was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue for treatment.
A good Samaritan heard the crash, saw the victim on the ground, and called 911 to report the incident. This concerned citizen then followed Turner’s car long enough to provide the license plate number to police. Law enforcement tracked the vehicle and arrested Turner later that night. Subsequent toxicology testing revealed Turner’s blood alcohol concentration was .04% and that he also had PCP in his system.
On April 19, 2024, Turner, 51, pleaded guilty to the following charges before Acting Supreme Court Judge Steven A. Pilewski:
- second-degree vehicular assault, a Class E felony
- leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, a Class E felony
- driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and a drug, an unclassified misdemeanor
“This defendant not only chose to drive a car after drinking alcohol and ingesting PCP, but after striking and seriously injuring a pedestrian, he fled the scene leaving the victim lying in the street,”
said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Today’s plea assures that the defendant is held accountable for his selfish actions and should set an example that drugged and drunk driving will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.”
Turner is due back in court for sentencing on June 12, 2024.