Big Crash, Better Crime Stats & Bright Holiday Fun

Good Morning,

Here’s what’s happening around town: a serious crash shut down Sunrise Highway, crime is down in the 5th Precinct, and the holiday spirit is in full swing with decorating contests, menorah lightings, and festive events. Plus, Melissa Etheridge is coming to Patchogue, and there’s a new VIP pass to help you stay connected.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

🚒 A serious rollover crash with fire and entrapment shut down part of Sunrise Highway eastbound near Route 101 in North Bellport late Friday night, leaving multiple people injured and prompting a medevac response. Emergency crews arrived around 10:20 p.m. to find a vehicle overturned with occupants trapped inside, requiring extrication and airlift to trauma centers as firefighters worked to control flames. Traffic was diverted while rescue operations continued into the night. Local Accident Reports

🚔 A Brooklyn man pleaded guilty to hitting a 19-year-old woman with his car during an illegal street takeover in Patchogue last October, leaving her with a fractured femur and pelvis. The crash happened around 1:15 a.m. on Oct. 6, 2024, in the Gateway Plaza parking lot as dozens gathered to watch stunts; prosecutors say the 20 year-old driver struck the woman while drifting, then fled the scene. Daily Voice

🎄 Holiday Decorating Contest Alert for Patchogue Businesses! Local storefronts are invited to deck their windows for the season, with judging set for December 17 & 18 in downtown Patchogue. The winner will take home the iconic Leg Lamp from A Christmas Story! If your business is outside the downtown area but you'd like to participate, contact [email protected] to be included. Hosted by the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce. Happy decorating!

Crime Down in 5th Precinct 3rd Quarter

The 5th Precinct has seen a notable improvement in public safety, with total reported crimes falling from 627 in Q3 of 2024 to 465 in the same period of 2025. That is a 26% decrease year-over-year. The data reflects declines across both violent and property offenses, with some of the most significant reductions seen in theft-related crimes.

Larceny, which was the most common offense in 2024 with 520 incidents, dropped to 385 cases in 2025. Vehicle thefts fell slightly from 42 to 34, and burglaries decreased from 22 to 10. Violent crimes also improved, going from 43 in 2024 to just 36 this year. Robberies were nearly cut in half, declining from 8 to 5 cases. The number of aggravated assaults remained steady at 31. Notably, there were no reported homicides in 2025, compared to two the previous year.

🏀 The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy men’s basketball team fell to St. Joseph’s–Long Island, 81–55, in their Skyline Conference opener Saturday afternoon at the Danzi Athletic Center in Patchogue. Freshmen Richard Sykes Jr. and Jack Flannery each scored 12 points to lead the Mariners, who are now 3–5 overall and 0–1 in conference play, while the Golden Eagles move to 3–5 and 1–0 in the Skyline. BVM Sports

🤼 Springfield College wrestling opened strong in their dual meet against Roger Williams, with Oliver Parker winning a 10–3 decision at 197 pounds and Medford native Ben Katz adding a 7–2 decision at 285, helping the Pride build a 12–0 lead en route to victory. Springfield College Pride

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