Police Say Trooper Not Chasing Stolen Car At Time Of Deadly LI Crash
ALBERTSON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- An investigation is underway Monday in Nassau County after New York State Police say a stolen car plunged into a pond, killing three people inside.
It happened around 6 p.m. Sunday in Albertson.
Police say the car, believed to be stolen, was traveling on the Northern State Parkway when it was spotted by a state trooper in a marked car who had read the license plate and called for back up.
Officials say the officer did not indicate he was ready to pull the vehicle over, never turning on his lights or sirens.
"I believe at some point they were aware that there was a marked state police vehicle behind him, because the trooper actually did indicate on his radio to communications, 'I think they are aware I'm behind them' and that's when they accelerated," New York State Police Major David Candelaria said.
Investigators say in an effort to get away, the driver crashed through a fence on Searingtown Road, landing in the pond, killing him and two passengers inside.
One of the occupants was pronounced dead on the scene and the remaining two died at a nearby hospital, according to Candelaria.
They have been identified as Joan Sanjuan, 29, of Central Islip, Adolph Ford, 46, of Roosevelt, and Donald Farr, 51, of Westbury.
Witness Maty Fried tells CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff that he was nearly hit when he saw the out of control car careen through the intersection and into the icy water.
"He tried to turn into me, he missed me by a few inches," he said.
State police say the veteran trooper followed all proper rules and regulations in following a stolen car and did all he could once the vehicle crashed into the pond.
"Under the circumstances he doesn't have the proper suit," Candelaria said. "He can't jump into the water. He did the best he could. He was screaming 'Come on guys, get out! It's only a stolen car'."
The car had been stolen from the Village of Hempstead just three days ago, according to State Police.
Officials say it was a deadly combination -- a stolen car with nearly bald tires speeding on residential roads while evading police -- that lead to the crash.
