The lead investigator told Eyewitness News that both drivers bear responsibility for the collision.
Det. Lt. Gerard Pelkofsky of the Suffolk County Police said the teen ran a stop sign, and was struck by the alleged drunk driver, a 43 year-old woman who had just picked up her 11-year-old son from a religious education class. But the lieutenant stressed that the woman might have been able to avoid the crash had she been sober.
Neither she nor her son was injured. The teen driver, Gary Paulino, was not wearing a seat belt, according to Pelkofsky.
The driver of the other car, identified as Alyssa Cesare, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
A law enforcement source said the DWI driver's blood alcohol level was measured at .24 -- three times the legal limit.
Cesare pleaded not guilty at her Wednesday arraignment in Suffolk County district court. She was ordered held on $250,000 bail.
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.
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