On Monday at 8 p.m., on Route 27 outside the Montauk Community Church, William Bock of Montauk, in a 2014 Jeep Wrangler, veered across the road and collided head-on with an oncoming 2017 Ford Suburban, injuring the Ford's driver and her passenger as well as himself.
Molly Dimefski of Montauk, 29, and Nicholas Guss, of New York City, also 29, were still in the Ford with the engine running when East Hampton Town police arrived. Mr. Bock was in his car as well; he sustained a dislocated or fractured elbow. Ms. Dimefski and Mr. Guss both complained of pain in their lower bodies and were taken to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital by Montauk ambulance.
Mr. Bock, 62, who according to police has a criminal history, appeared intoxicated as he sat behind a deployed airbag. Because of his injury, the officer could not administer the standardized sobriety tests, but with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol on his breath, Mr. Bock was placed under arrest. He too was transported by ambulance to Southampton Hospital, where he was treated and released.
He was charged with misdemeanor drunken driving, and was to appear in court on Sept. 9 for arraignment. Police did not say whether or where he submitted to a blood test; a more serious charge could be filed depending on his blood-alcohol levels.
In December 2005, town police raided a Montauk cottage and arrested Mr. Bock for selling cocaine and heroin. He was charged with several felonies citing criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of criminal use of drug paraphernalia. Capt. John Anderson said at the time that his arrest was "loosely tied" to that of 11 other people in a major drug bust that followed a months-long investigation. The Star noted in its report that Mr. Bock owned Pink Tuna Taxi in Montauk, and police said on in Monday's report that he remained a taxi driver.
In October 2009, Mr. Bock was charged with felony assault after he allegedly hit a man in the mouth with a metal lock wrapped in a handkerchief.