Last Updated:June 30,. 2009

Serious Crash in Glen Cove

• Adam Grohman
Before noon on Thursday, June 25, Glen Cove Police, Fire, and EMS Departments responded to a report of a multiple-motor vehicle accident on the arterial highway at Town Path Extension. The accident which involved six vehicles, occurred when, according to Lt. Thomas Fitzpatrick of the Glen Cove Police Department, “a white BMW 335i, traveling N/B into Glen Cove at a high rate of speed, crashed into the rear of a group of cars that were stopped at the red traffic light at Glen St. and Town Path.”
When the BMW struck the back of a minivan, it “tore the entire rear axle” from the vehicle’s undercarriage and “wedged it” under the middle of the vehicle. The minivan was occupied by a family of four, with two children, ages two and four. The thirty-seven year old female passenger suffered multiple injuries including “fractures to her spine, ribs, pelvis, and lower extremities.” Lt. Fitzpatrick further commented that “the two children, who were both secured in car seats, were ok, with one receiving a minor laceration to the face.”  
Behind the wheel of the BMW was twenty-eight year old Erin Marino of Hicksville. The sole occupant of the vehicle that set the multi-vehicle crash into motion was transported to North Shore LIJ Manhasset Hospital for a possible head injury.” According to Fitzpatrick, while at the hospital, Ms. Marino “was placed under arrest by Glen Cove Officer Sal Bifone for suspicion of DWI.” Results from the blood sample were pending as of press-time.  After she was released from the hospital, she was also charged with several counts of Assault, Vehicular Assault and Reckless Driving. “A witness told police that just prior to the accident he observed the white BMW driving at approx 90 M.P.H and weaving through traffic.”
Six people were injured in the serious crash and the north-bound lanes of the roadway were closed off for the bulk of the day as the crime scene was investigated. Assistance for victims at the scene came from the volunteer Fire Departments from Sea Cliff, Glenwood, Locust Valley, Bayville, and Nassau County. The crime scene was processed with assistance from Nassau County P.D. and the Nassau District Attorney’s Office.
Lt. Fitzpatrick commented that “this was a horrific crash. There is no doubt that seatbelts, air bags, and child seats …and maybe even the grace of God, saved lives here.”