Suffolk man admits guilt in Wantagh crash

A Bay Shore man, whose two passengers were injured when he crashed on the Wantagh Parkway in 2014, has pleaded guilty to several charges and is expected to be sentenced later this month.

Dwayne Alcala, 29, pleaded guilty to felony counts of first-degree vehicular assault and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor counts of second-degree reckless endangerment, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of alcohol and drugs, and reckless driving. According to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Alcala was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when he crashed into a tree in Wantagh.

According to the D.A., Alcala was driving his 2007 Toyota Corolla at a high rate of speed on the Wantagh Parkway on July 2, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. When he attempted to get off at Exit W4, he lost control and ended up in the woods. A backseat passenger was thrown into the windshield, sustaining serious injuries which required surgery and a long hospital stay. The front-seat passenger also was seriously injured.

Alcala was arrested at the scene by New York State Police. According to the D.A., he was also driving with a suspended license.

“The defendant was impaired by drugs and alcohol and couldn’t control his speeding car when he endangered everyone in his path and then crashed into a tree, severely injuring two of his passengers,” said District Attorney Madeline Singas. “So many young lives were impacted by this driver’s recklessness and this crash serves as a reminder never to get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or doing drugs.”

Alcala faces three to six years in prison, and is due back in court for sentencing on Jan. 22.