Cops: Drunken Driver Arrested, Passenger Seriously Injured in Springs Crash

An East Hampton man was arrested on drunken driving charges after crashing a sport utility vehicle into a tree, seriously injuring his passenger, in Springs early Wednesday.

East Hampton Town police said Mark M. Wesnofske, 37, was driving a 2002 Land Rover south on Three Mile Harbor Road when he lost control, veered across the street, and into the woods, hitting a tree near the intersection of Squaw Road at 2:52 a.m.

Mr. Wesnofske was able to get out out of the Land Rover on his own, but his passenger had to be extricated, according to Darrin Downs, the second assistant chief of the Springs Fire Department. His passenger, whose name is being withheld until family can be notified, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries. The Springs Fire Department's ambulance personnel treated her at the scene and took her to the East Hampton Airport to meet the Suffolk medevac helicopter.

Mr. Wesnofske was arrested at the scene and charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. However, a Springs ambulance took him to Southampton Hospital with a head injury, police said. He was released on an appearance ticket and will be arraigned at a later date in East Hampton Town Justice Court. 

The Land Rover was impounded for a safety inspection. Police, who are performing an accident reconstruction, said the investigation is continuing. They are asking anyone with information to call 631-537-7575.