Smithtown fatal head-on crash leads to DWI charges

An Island Park man was killed early Friday when his car was struck head-on by a drunken driver who had crossed into his lane on Route 25A in Smithtown, Suffolk County police said.

Natalia Simons, 36, of Kings Park, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated after the 12:05 a.m. crash.

Police identified the victim as Larry Garwood, 59, who was taken by Smithtown Ambulance to nearby St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said Garwood was traveling south on Route 25A when his 2012 Toyota Camry was hit by the 2013 Nissan Rogue driven by Simons. Police said the Rogue "crossed over into the southbound lane," striking the Toyota.

Simons was taken by Smithtown Ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries, police said.

At her arraignment Friday, bail was set at $150,000 bond or $50,000 cash. Her attorney could not be immediately reached.

The state Department of Transportation said Route 25A was closed between River Heights Drive and West Main Street after the crash until about 8 a.m.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crash to call the Vehicular Crime Unit at 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.

All calls will remain confidential, police said.

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.”