Police: Driver plows vehicle into building, flees

Police are searching for a driver who crashed into the side of a building in Patchogue on Wednesday night, leaving behind "a large hole in the wall."

The accident occurred about 9 p.m. at the Riteway Automotive Center on Waverly Avenue and East Sixth Street.

Suffolk County police said a witness reported seeing an auto fleeing the scene.

It was not immediately clear what type of vehicle was involved in the accident.

Police said the Town of Brookhaven building inspector was called to the scene and that the building was declared safe, but that gas service was shut off as a precaution.

The Fifth Precinct crime section is investigating.