Drunk W.H. driver arrested, cops seek public help

Drunk driver arrested after collision
Police arrested a young West Hempstead man after he caused a collision while driving drunk.

According to the Homicide Squad, 19-year-old Camilo Araya, who lives on Fairlawn Avenue, was operating a 2011 Mitsubishi southbound on Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead when he struck the rear of a 2009 Mitsubishi. The collision caused Araya’s car to strike a utility pole and flip over; both he and his 23-year-old male front passenger were ejected from the car and into the roadway.

The two men were unconscious when they were transported to Winthrop Hospital for treatment of serious physical injuries. The 27-year-old female driver of the 2009 Mitsubishi was treated at a hospital for pain in her neck and back.

A subsequent investigation led police to arrest Araya for driving while intoxicated. They charged him with second-degree vehicular assault and driving while under the influence. He was expected to be arraigned as soon as medically practical and an investigation is ongoing.

Seeking public information
Crime Stoppers and the Nassau County Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying two subjects connected to a robbery that occurred in West Hempstead on Thursday, Dec. 28, around 10:52 p.m.

Two armed black men robbed a pair of pedestrians who were in the rear of a building at 329 Hempstead Turnpike. They stole money and other personal items. One of the men was wearing a New York Rangers sweatshirt and the other a ski mask. The fled the scene in a silver four-door sedan, possibly a Toyota. Shown above is a sketch of one of the subjects.

Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who can identify the subjects or who has any information about the crime to call 1-800-244-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential. There is a $5,000 reward.