Central Islip man charged in speeding, DWI
Joseph Melendez, 26, of Central Islip was charged with reckless endangerment after police said he was seen driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution west on the Long Island Expressway at speeds in excess of 120 mph early Sunday morning between exits 46 and 41. (April 25, 2011) Credit: NCPD
A Central Islip man has been arrested on reckless endangerment and other charges after he was seen traveling at more than 120 mph on the Long Island Expressway, Nassau police said.
Police said Joseph Melendez, 26, of Arrow Court, was seen driving a 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution west on the expressway between Exits 46 and 44 around 12:30 a.m. Sunday at 122 mph. Minutes later, police said Melendez was seen near Exit 41 traveling at 126 mph.
While Nassau Highway Patrol officers were pursuing and stopping Melendez, police said other motorists were forced to take evasive action to prevent a collision with him.
Melendez was stopped at Exit 34 and charged with reckless endangerment, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated and 10 other violations of vehicle and traffic law, police said.
'Success is zero deaths on the roadway' Newsday reporters spent this year examining the risks on Long Island's roads, where traffic crashes over a decade killed more than 2,100 people and seriously injured more than 16,000. This documentary is a result of that newsroom-wide effort.
'Success is zero deaths on the roadway' Newsday reporters spent this year examining the risks on Long Island's roads, where traffic crashes over a decade killed more than 2,100 people and seriously injured more than 16,000. This documentary is a result of that newsroom-wide effort.
