Edward Hillkewicz, 28, of Mastic Beach, was indicted for Assault in the Second Degree, Operating a Vessel While Intoxicated with a Child less than 15 Years of Age present, and related charges this past week.
He was arraigned on Wednesday, July 16th, on these counts and plenty others that all similarly paint the saddening picture of child endangerment and reckless tomfoolery.
In his announcement, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney detailed that the defendant allegedly operated a 33-foot vessel in Hampton Bays’ Shinnecock Canal while inebriated from mass alcohol consumption.
Two children–aged 2 and 6—and three other adults, including Hillkewicz’ fiancée, were aboard when the boat crashed into a jetty.
“As this case demonstrates, boating while intoxicated is every bit as dangerous as driving while intoxicated, and is the leading factor in fatal boating accidents,” said DA Tierney, adding that his office will “continue to work alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to enforce maritime laws and prosecute violators.”
The incident occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. on May 25th. Hours earlier, Hillkewicz allegedly drank several alcoholic beverages in Greenport.
At a high rate of speed, he is reported to have crashed into a jetty sitting in front of Meschutt Park. The impact caused the vessel to catapult into the Shinneckock Canal wall and ricochet off it. The boat struck the jetty once more, and subsequently grounded on the Mescutt Park sand.
Southampton Town Police responded and placed Hillkewicz under arrest. His fiancée was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she endured two spinal surgeries. She was later transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation. Nearly two months later, she still has limited movement from the waist down.
Hillkewicz is due back in court on September 4th. He faces up to seven years in prison.