by Cris Italia
The incident occurred near the New Hyde Park exit, police said. Kristopher Kontos, 24, of Oceanside was driving a 1996 white Toyota pickup truck when he "flipped out," according to police, and smashed the windows of a minivan carrying three 24-year-olds.
"He was annoyed at the way they were driving," said Det. Elizabeth Nugent of the Sixth Precinct. "He cut them off and then got out of his car and smashed the windows."
Police say Kontos that after forcing the minivan onto the shoulder of the expressway, he pulled off in front of it, blocking it with his truck. Kontos got out, brandishing a hammer and shouting, and smashed the van's windshield and side windows. He then shouted something at the driver and passengers.
"They did nothing to provoke [Kontos]," Nugent said. "They stayed in their car after it happened and did not fight back." Nugent added that the passenger in the back seat received minor cuts and was treated at the Sixth Precinct.
After Kontos fled the scene, passing motorists dialed 911 to report the accident. When Kontos arrived at his father-in-law's home in Oceanside, he called the highway patrol and told police that he had been the victim of an assault that left a crack in his windshield.
Later he admitted to the incident, surrendering to police on Thursday, Dec. 12. "He just surrendered," Nugent said. "We are still wondering why he did this."
Kontos was arraigned Dec. 13 at First District Court and charged with second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree criminal mischief and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. He was not available for comment.
