A 19-year-old Copiague man was killed in DWI-related motor vehicle accident this week. Photo by Joe Turner

Copiague man killed in DWI Crash

A Copiague woman was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in an incident that took the life of 19-year-old Gary Paulino, also of Copiague. Police said that the two-car crash took place Tues., June 9 at approximately 4:50 p.m. at Campagnoli Avenue and Leonardo Da Vinci Street, Copiague. According to accounts, Paulino, of 495 Campagnoli Ave., was driving a 1998 Volkswagen GTI westbound on Campagnoli Avenue, when he collided with a 2004 Toyota Sienna being driven southbound on Leonardo Da Vinci Street by Alyssa Cesare, 43, of 475 East Drive, Copiague.  After the initial collision at the intersection, the Volkswagen then struck a 2008 Ford Expedition, which is a Copiague Fire Department Chief’s vehicle, that was parked at the southwest corner of the intersection.   Paulino was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip by Copiague Rescue where he was pronounced dead at 5:49 PM.   Cesare was arrested at the scene of the crash.  She was held overnight for arraignment at First District Court, Central Islip. All three vehicles were impounded for safety checks and the investigation is continuing.  Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident to call the First Squad at 631-854-8152, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.  All calls will be kept confidential.