Cops: Drunk driver strikes police car, attempts to flee scene

A drunken driver swerved across Route 25 in Mattituck and struck a police car Saturday night, Southold Town police said. 

Juan Santos, 30, of Mattituck was traveling westbound when he drifted across both lanes of traffic and into the eastbound shoulder shortly before 11 p.m., police said.

A police officer who observed Mr. Santos driving erratically slowed to a stop but was struck by Mr. Santos’ vehicle. The officer was taken to Eastern Long Island Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and released.

Mr. Santos attempted to leave the scene, but the officer was able to stop him and remove the keys from his vehicle, police said.

Mr. Santos was charged with DWI after he was found to be intoxicated . He was taken to police headquarters and held overnight for a Sunday morning arraignment, police said.