Police: Man stole van, drove drunk and crashed it in Westbury

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A New Cassel man stole a car and drove it while intoxicated on Aug. 9 around 4 p.m., later crashing into a pole in Westbury, police said. He was sent to a local hospital and now faces charges of third-degree grand larceny, unlicensed operation and driving while intoxicated.

Police were notified that a gray Ford was stolen on Prospect Avenue and, shortly after, found Roberto Pena, 27, sitting on the curb adjacent the crashed vehicle. According to officials, he had slurred speech, was unsteady on his feet and had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. He was arrested without incident and sent to a nearby hospital.

Pena was arraigned at the Nassau County First District Court on Aug. 14 and his next appearance will be on Aug. 30.

—Brian Stieglitz