Man charged with DWI after crashing into 2 homes in Centerport, fleeing

CENTERPORT (WABC) -- A Long Island man is under arrest and facing drunk driving and other charges after police say he crashed into two homes late Tuesday night.

Authorities say 49-year-old Edward Meyer Jr., was driving a 2011 GMC pick-up truck around 8 p.m. Tuesday when his vehicle struck the corner of one house and damaged another one Prospect Road in Centerport.

Tim Cox, who lives next door, said it was lucky that his neighbors -- who are also his in-laws -- weren't home when the truck came barreling into their home.

"We were in the house around 8:15, and all of a sudden, we heard this crash, boom, and the lights went out" he said. "Everybody is happy that no one got hurt. All this stuff is replaceable. Even the guy who did it isn't hurt, also, from what we understand, and that's a good thing."

Meyer allegedly fled the scene northbound on Prospect Road and was arrested at his residence in Huntington around midnight.

He is charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash with property damage.

"Suddenly, all the fire trucks came down, and after 10 minutes, this place was full of ambulances and fire trucks," neighbor Keith Wilkinson said. "It was quite an exciting time for such a quiet neighborhood."

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

The building inspector from the Town of Huntington, National Grid and PSEG were notified and responded to the scene.

A judge ordered Meyer held on $50,000 bail.