Close Call At EH Exxon Station

An out-of-control 2004 Jeep headed west on Montauk Highway just west of Woods Lane came close to causing a disaster at the Exxon Station Sunday morning, July 21.

According to the East Hampton Village police, the vehicle, being driven by an 18-year-old Kings Park man, Christopher Bryne, hopped the curb, went through a rose bush, and just missed the northwestern gas pump, careening off the U-shaped bollard protecting it. The Jeep continued on, striking and damaging a parked red 2010 Ford Mustang on the western edge of the station’s property, before smashing through two trees and a stockade fence, coming to rest on the neighboring property belonging to Ira Barocas.

Bryne told police he had fallen asleep at the wheel. It was 7:50 in the morning. Bryne did not appear to be seriously hurt, but was transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

No tickets were issued, though police are continuing to investigate the accident.

Barocas was called to the scene by his tenants. “Thank God, he didn’t hit the gas pump,” he said as he surveyed the damage to his property.

t.e@indyeastend.com