The crash happened just after 1 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29 in Hauppauge, Suffolk County Police said.
Rafael Garcia-Erazo, 34, of Westbury, was driving a westbound 2016 Nissan sedan on Express Drive North, approaching the intersection of Wheeler Road, when his vehicle struck the back of a 2014 Volkswagen sedan that was stopped at a red light, police said.
The impact caused the Volkswagen to strike the back of a 2012 Ford that was stopped ahead of it, which in turn caused the Ford to crash into the back of a 2006 Nissan in front of it, according to police.
The driver’s cousin, Rosa Avelar-Erazo, 34, of Westbury, and a 12-year-old girl, were passengers in the 2016 Nissan at the time of the crash, police said. There were no injuries.
Fourth Squad detectives charged Rafael Garcia-Erazo with driving while intoxicated, aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child passenger 15 years old or younger (Leandra’s Law), and endangering the welfare of a child. The vehicle was impounded for evidence.
Garcia-Erazo was held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday, Nov. 29.
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