Crime Report: Cupsogue Fire Under Investigation; Man Admits to Hit-and-Run
Cupsogue Fire Under Investigation
Suffolk County police said that they are investigating a fire that occurred at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton on Saturday night. The fire was reported around 8 p.m.
Crews from 15 different fire departments including the West Hampton Beach Fire Department battled the fire. Strong winds made it harder for firefighters to put out the blaze, which ended up destroying a pavilion and concession area at the beach.
The closest fire hydrant was reportedly 2,000 feet away, making it more difficult to put out the fire.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Investigators from Suffolk County Arson Squad are currently undergoing an investigation. There were no injuries during the fire.
Man Admits to Hit-and-Run
A Baiting Hollow man was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly committing a hit-and-run on September 11, injuring Marie Braccia in Shirley.
Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department Seventh Squad, John Almeida (pictured) was arrested and - according to officials - admitted to fleeing the scene after he struck 54-year-old Braccia.
The accident occurred on Grand Avenue in Shirley. Braccia was hit by Almeida while crossing the street, just north of Montauk Highway.
Braccia was taken to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in East Patchogue. She was transporte to Stony Brook Hospital and is currently listed in serious condition.
Almeida, 23, is now facing charges of Leaving the Scene of an Incident involving Serious Physical Injury and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, 2nd Degree. He was held overnight and arraigned on Sunday at the First District Court in Central Islip.
[Source: Suffolk County Police Department]