Drunk Driver Slams 2 Parked Cars, Snaps Utility Pole in Plainview

A drunk driver lost control of his vehicle and wreaked havoc along a busy stretch of Manetto Hill Road in Plainview Monday morning, Nassau County Police said.

The driver, who has not yet been identified, slammed into two parked cars and snapped a utility pole in half before coming to a stop on a side walk.

With stunned eyewitnesses looking on at the Manetto Hill Mall, the driver then freed himself from the wreckage through a hole in his windshield, authorities said. No one else was hurt.

The crash occurred just after 8:33 a.m. Monday when the silver Hyundai began careening along the roadway, striking several street signs and the parked cars.

The driver struck the utility pole, which snapped, dropping live electrical wires to the ground. The car clipped a tree before coming to a stop, authorities said.

The injured man was able to climb out of a large hole in the windshield. He was transported to Nassau County Medical Center. His condition could not be learned.

Nassau police said the driver, whose name has not yet been released, will be charged with driving while intoxicated.

and secured the busy shopping area along Manetto Hill Road, which was closed both directions until crews from LIPA could secure and repair the downed wires.