Nassau police arrested an Oceanside woman for allegedly leaving the scene of two accidents, both in Island Park on Christmas Day.
Donna Pugliese, 48, was traveling east in a 2003 Mercedes-Benz on Warwick Road, turning south onto Long Beach Road when she struck a 2009 Nissan Maxima head on, police said. The Maxima had been traveling north on Long Beach Road. Pugliese pulled away from the accident and drove off, police said.
The driver of the Maxima began to pursue Pugliese while dialing 911. While chasing Pugliese, she hit the Maxima’s side and then rear. Pugliese then drove off once again, police said.
Ten minutes later, another 911 call was received, this time for an accident on Austin Boulevard/Florida Avenue. After further investigation, it was learned that a 1998 Jeep was traveling north in the left lane on Austin Boulevard. The Jeep had extensive rear end damage. Its driver was able to exit the vehicle, but his 8-year-old son was trapped inside. The child was cut out of the damaged vehicle by members of the Island Park Fire Department.
Found abandoned in the middle of Florida Avenue in North Long Beach was the same 2003 Mercedes-Benz belonging to Pugliese. The vehicle had extensive damage to its front end and had its keys in the ignition.
Officers from the 4th Precinct arrested Pugliese at her home at 1:02 p.m. after she was positively identified by a witness. She was taken to a local hospital and treated for a laceration in her inner lip and a sprained wrist.
Both victims inside the 1998 Jeep were taken by ambulance to a local hospital. The driver complained he had severe pain in his head and back, while the child complained he had severe pain in his abdomen and head, as well as a contusion on his forehead. They were both treated and released.
Pugliese was charged with assault, two counts of criminal mischief, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident.
