DWI charge after man backs into cop cruiser
Mario Moradel, 44, is led out of the Second Precinct in Huntington for his arraignment in Central Islip Criminal Court on charges of DWI after he allegedly crashed into a parked police car in Huntington Station around 1:15 a.m. Sunday morning. (June 17, 2012) Credit: James Carbone
A Huntington Station man who was driving while intoxicated and carrying drugs crashed his vehicle into a police car during a traffic stop early Sunday morning, Suffolk police said.
Police had stopped Mario Moradel, 44, of 65 W. 11th St. at West 15th Street and 11th Avenue in Huntington Station at 1:15 a.m. for a traffic violation. As Officer John Zammillo approached Moradel's car, Moradel backed up and hit Zammillo's patrol car, police said.
There were no injuries and minor damage to the police car. Moradel was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance after officers said they found cocaine in his possession.
At his arraignment on Sunday, Moradel was ordered held on $1,000 bond or $500 cash bail. Court officials would not release whether Moradel posted bail, or the date of his next scheduled court appearance.
Memorial Day 2026: NewsdayTV honors those we've lost A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son's sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day 2026: NewsdayTV honors those we've lost A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son's sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day.
