Couple Killed In Ronkonkoma Crash; Man Charged With DWI
RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A 23-year-old man is accused of driving drunk during a crash that killed a husband and wife on Long Island.
Kyle Glinka, of Bohemia, was arrested Sunday night on charges of driving while intoxicated. Police say charges could be upgraded, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.
William Kear, 67, of Medford, and his 66-year-old wife, Joanne, were making a left turn in Ronkonkoma when their Chevrolet pickup truck was struck, Suffolk County police said.
They were both taken to a hospital where they were pronounced dead.
As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, friends and relatives choked back tears while walking up to the Kear home in Medford. The house, a gathering place for family celebrations, was decorated cheerfully in Easter eggs and angels.
"They were the best. The kind of neighbors you hoped for," neighbor Laura Stepper said, "Their grandkids were everything to them. Now we all pray for their family."
Kear was behind the wheel Sunday when an allegedly speeding Glinka T-boned and flipped their truck.
"We do have witness statements at this time saying that the Kears would have had a green light and that Mr. Glinka, traveling southbound would have ran a red light," Det. Sgt. James Madden, Suffolk County Police said.
Glinka suffered non-life threatening injuries and was admitted to a hospital where he underwent surgery, and admitted to police that he was drinking.
Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks, as the investigation continues.
One Ocean Ave resident said speeding drivers are all too familiar.
"Very high speed, 80-90 miles per hour," Arshad Ali said.
Police said they are awaiting blood alcohol results. Glinka has no criminal record, but has been charged with DWI. More charges could follow. He will be arraigned when it is medically feasible.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call 631-852-6553.
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