Crime & Safety
Driver in Wrong-Way DWI Crash Held After Bedside Arraignment
Francisco Tomas and the off-duty officer he hit are still in the hospital.
Francisco Tomas of Riverhead, who police said 's car while driving drunk and in the wrong direction in Ridge on Saturday, is being held on bail following a bedside arraignment on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Suffolk County District Attorney spokesman Robert Clifford said Tomas, 26, pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor driving while intoxicated. Judge James P. Flanagan arraigned Tomas at Stony Brook University Medical Center. Tomas suffered a severe ankle injury and broke his leg in the crash.
He is being held on $25,000 cash and a $75,000 bond.
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Suffolk County police said Tomas – whose name was not immediately known -- was driving the wrong direction on Middle Country Road in Ridge when he crashed head-on into the off-duty officer.
Chief Ed Ecker identified the officer as Vincent Rantinella, a seven-year veteran of the force. The officer was on his way home from working a shift and overtime aimed at arresting drunken drivers.
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Rantinella, who lives in Ridge, was hospitalized with injuries to his torso and lower leg. He was listed in stable condition.
Tomas is due back in Suffolk County District Court in Central Islip on Monday.
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