Cabdriver accused of impaired driving after crashing into 7-Eleven, police say
A taxi driver was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs after he crashed his cab into a 7-Eleven store in Central Islip early Tuesday, police said.
Jean Oreste, 24, of Islip Terrace, told Suffolk County police he mistakenly stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake as he was pulling into the store parking lot on East Suffolk Avenue at 12:50 a.m.
Police said the taxi crashed through the front of the store -- and came to a rest five feet inside the 7-Eleven.
Police said no one inside the store was injured and that the store remained open.
An investigation determined Oreste was ability impaired by marijuana and he was charged, police said. It was not immediately clear in the car, owned by Reliable Taxi of Islandia, was damaged.
Police said the Town of Islip building inspector responded and determined the 7-Eleven had sustained "minimal damage."
Oreste now faces arraignment Tuesday in First District Court in Central Islip.
John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”
Mixed reactions after U.S. attacks Venezuela Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.
Mixed reactions after U.S. attacks Venezuela Both anger and happiness were felt as many, including LI Venezuelans, reacted to the U.S.-led ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.
