SCPD Advisory: Driver Arrested for DWI after Passenger is Killed in One-Vehicle Crash
Patchogue, NY - August 28, 2014 - Suffolk County Police arrested a Ronkonkoma man for driving while intoxicated after he was involved in a motor vehicle crash that killed his passenger in Patchogue early this morning.
Joseph Keleher, 24, was driving a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo eastbound on Baker Street when he lost control of the vehicle as it crossed over Rider Avenue, hit a curb, went up on a grass embankment, overturned and came to a stop on Edwards Street.
The passenger, Kevin Smith, 25, of Oakdale, was ejected from the vehicle. He was transported via Patchogue Fire Department Ambulance Company to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in Patchogue where he was pronounced dead.
Suffolk County Vehicular Crime Unit detectives arrested and charged Keleher with Driving While Intoxicated. He is being held at the Fifth Precinct and will be arraigned today at First District Court in Central Islip.
The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call the Vehicular Crime Unit at 631-852-6555.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.