Man Arrested for Unauthorized Use of Vehicle Following Crash into Synagogue

Suffolk County Police on Friday September 2, 2016,  arrested a Farmingdale man for unauthorized use of a vehicle after the vehicle crashed into a synagogue in Melville this morning.

Photos by Melville Fire Department

Edward Stanchio was driving a 1999 GMC tow truck northbound on Bagatelle Road when Stanchio said he swerved to avoid an animal and crashed into Temple Beth Torah, located at 35 Bagatelle Road, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Stanchio was not injured.

Photos by Melville Fire Department

An investigation determined that the owner of Eddie’s 24-Hour Towing did not give consent to Stanchio, who is a former employee, to be operating the tow truck at the time of the crash.

Stanchio, 48, of 2 Garity Place, was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle 3rd Degree, Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended Registration and Operating a Vehicle at an Unreasonable and Imprudent Speed. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

The Melville Fire Department responded to the scene under the direction of First Assistant Chief Paul Mahler. Firefighters checked the extensive damage to the building after the tow truck crashed through the East side and into the catering room. Firefighters secured the electric and gas utilities and the Town of Huntington building inspector responded.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.