2 Critically Hurt When Van Slams Into Sports Car In Long Island Neighborhood

LINDENHURST, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Two people were critically hurt Friday when a work van sped away from police and slammed into a sports car in a residential Long Island neighborhood, according to authorities.

"It sounded like a bomb went off when I first heard it," Lindenhurst resident Lauren Penetinto told CBS2's Jennifer McLogan. "What was scary was how quiet it was, so you knew these people were hurt. They had to use the jaws of life to rip these people out."

The van T-boned the sports car, sending both vehicles careening, rolling and flipping into Penetinto's front yard.

"They had to take the roof off the car to pull the two people out, and it was horrifying," witness Samantha Ortiz said.

Meanwhile, the driver of the work van fled the scene, running through yards and into a creek, police said.

CBS2 learned a K-9 unit was called in to help collar the accused hit-and-run suspect. He was arrested and charged with drugged driving.

"It's a residential area and they shouldn't be driving this fast. There are kids playing," parent Kim Riecker said. "I'm nervous. I have three kids."

A crossing guard witnessed what was described as a suspicious van lurking in the neighborhood. Concerned it might be involved in a drug deal, police were called.

Friends and family of the suspect appeared to be distraught and unwilling to talk, McLogan reported.

The victims in the sports car were critically injured.