Cops: Man took drugs, crashed on Wantagh Parkway

Three people were injured, one seriously, on July 2, when the vehicle they were driving in veered off the road and struck several trees near Merrick Road in Wantagh.

According to New York State Police, at 1:30 a.m., a Toyota Corolla was headed northbound on the Wantagh State Parkway near Merrick Road when the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road. He veered onto the right shoulder and struck several trees.

The driver, Dwayne Alcala, 28, of Bay Shore, and a female passenger were taken to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow for their injuries. A second passenger, who was in the back of the vehicle, had more serious injuries and was taken to Wintrop University Hospital.

Alcala was arrested and charged for driving while ability impaired by drugs (a misdemeanor) and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation (a misdemeanor). The names of the injured passengers were withheld pending family notification.