Driver killed in Commack crash, police say

A driver was killed early Thursday morning when, police said, his car failed to negotiate a curve at “a high rate of speed,” crashing into a utility pole on southbound Motor Parkway in Commack.

Suffolk County police have not released the identity of the driver, pending notification of next of kin.

The single-vehicle crash occurred near Shinbone Lane at about 4 a.m.

Police said the crash was reported in a 911 call only after a passing motorist alerted them to the crash scene around 8 a.m.

The victim was alone in the vehicle, police said.

The crash scene was a wooded area bordering the road. Additional details were not immediately available, though police said the vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854-8452. 

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

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.”