Smithtown woman dies in crash

A driver in Smithtown was killed Saturday evening after being hit by another car and crashing into a tree, Suffolk County police said.

Police late Saturday identified the driver who died as Teresa Hatta, 53, of Smithtown. Her 5-year-old granddaughter was also in the car. The little girl sustained only minor scrapes.

The crash happened at 8 p.m. at St. Johnland Road and River Heights Drive when a northbound 2000 Toyota being driven westbound by Timothy Suozzo, 20, struck the 2003 Honda being driven by Hatta, police said. The Honda then struck a tree on the side of the road.

Suozzo had a stop sign and may have jutted out too much on the road in an attempt to make a left turn to go south, Det. Sgt. John Twiname, a supervisor of the Fourth Squad detectives handling the case.

Suozzo, also of Smithtown, wasn't hurt; Hatta was pronounced dead at St. Catherine's of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown.

The Honda and the Toyota were impounded for safety checks. Police were still investigating Saturday night.

Police do not suspect alcohol or drugs as factors in the crash but the investigation is continuing, Twiname said.

"It looks like a tragic accident at this point," he said.