(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Erik Yat Velasquez, 22, of Riverhead, was indicted for Aggravated Vehicular Assault and other related charges, for allegedly crossing into the opposing lanes of traffic while intoxicated at a high rate of speed on Quogue Riverhead Road causing a multi-vehicle crash resulting in injuries to multiple people.
“The defendant’s alleged decision to drink and drive caused significant injuries to many people in this case,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The charges brought forth in this indictment reflect the severity of the defendant’s actions and my office’s continued commitment to protect the public from reckless and dangerous drivers. Impaired or intoxicated driving will not be tolerated on our roadways.”
According to the investigation, on November 29, 2025, at approximately 7:46 p.m., Yat Velasquez was operating a 2015 Jeep northbound on Quogue Riverhead Road at a high rate of speed when he crossed over the double yellow lines, sideswiped one vehicle, and then crashed head-on into a second car. The two occupants of the first vehicle, as well as Yat Velasquez’s own passenger, were transported to a local hospital for treatment for their injuries.
The two occupants of the vehicle that was struck head-on were also transported to a local hospital where they were treated for serious physical injuries. The driver of that vehicle sustained a fractured clavicle and punctured lung. The passenger sustained a fractured arm, internal bleeding, and a serious head injury, all of which required multiple surgeries. Currently, the passenger does not have vision in one eye.
Yat Velasquez was also taken to a hospital for his own medical treatment for injuries he sustained in the crash. Law enforcement observed Yat Velasquez displaying signs of intoxication, and he was placed under arrest by the Southampton Town Police Department.
On February 4, 2026, Yat Velasquez was arraigned before County Court Judge Bryan L. Browns for the following charges contained in the indictment:
· Three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, Class C felonies;
· Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies;
· Three counts of Vehicular Assault in the First Degree, Class D felonies;
· Two counts of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, Class E felonies;
· Three counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
· One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
· Two counts of Driving While Intoxicated, Unclassified misdemeanors; and
· One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor.
Judge Browns ordered Yat Velasquez to be placed on supervised release and suspended his license. He is due back in court on March 3, 2026, and faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Anthony Rutkoswki, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Emma Richards of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Brandon Dubrow of the Southampton Town Police Department and members of the New York State Police.