Politics & Government

DA: Driver in Fatal Crash Had BAC Four Times Legal Limit

Suffolk County DA reports Michael Grasing had a blood-alcohol content level of .30 the night he hit Brittney Walsh's car.

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said Wednesday that Michael Grasing had a blood-alcohol content level of .30 and was driving at speeds between 85 and 100 miles per hour Brittney Walsh's car, killing her.

Grasing, of Babylon, was observed "aggressively" leaving the West Babylon Wendy's on Montauk Highway on Sunday night at a high rate of speed heading westbound, according to Spota.

"He was swerving from lane to lane in the westbound lanes of Montauk Highway," said Spota. "He then blew through two red lights - one at Delaware Avenue and one at Wellwood Avenue."

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Spota said Grasing, 31, then mounted the sidewalk at some point afterwards before going back on the road and driving in and out of the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Spota estimated Grasing's erratic driving lasted between four to five miles.

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Spota also estimated from eyewitness accounts that Grasing was driving between 85 to 100 miles per hour.

At approximately 13th Street and Montauk Highway, Grasing's vehicle hit Walsh's vehicle in the rear at an unknown rate of speed, sending her car into the eastbound lanes, jumping the curb and beginning a roll before stopping outside of .

Grasing, according to Spota's report, didn't apply the brakes and continued down the highway, colliding with several traffic signs before slamming into a traffic pole at 16th Street.

Grasing is expected to be arraigned today following his release from Good Samaritan Hospital. .

Spota, with Suffolk County Police Commissioner Edward Webber at his side, said police were still looking for more eyewitnesses to Grasing's erratic driving and where he'd been before being spotted minutes preceding the crash.

It's unknown whether or not Grasing had been drinking at a bar or elsewhere.

Spota noted Grasing did stop at a few traffic lights along his travels, prompting some eyewitnesses and drivers to tell him to pull over. Spota asked those people to come forward for help in the case.

If you have any information concerning the crash or Grasing's whereabouts before the accident, then police ask that you call the First Precinct at 631-854-8152.

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