Driver Who Hit East Hampton Sergeant 'Failed to Yield'

East Hampton Town Police Sgt. Daniel Roman, who was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital Friday evening after a motorcycle accident in Montauk, was in fair condition Monday night, the hospital reported.

The East Hampton Town detective squad is wrapping up its investigation of the two-vehicle collision on Old Montauk Highway, which left Sergeant Roman with life-threatening injuries. According to an email sent out by Chief Michael Sarlo at noon on Tuesday, the driver of the 2012 Honda Accord that hit Sergeant Roman's 2005 Suzuki is being issued a citation for failing to yield the right of way. "It appears to be a simple case of the driver not being familiar with the area attempting to make a turn and not seeing the oncoming motorcycle. There are no other contributing factors," the chief said.

According to police, Stephen Lawton Weber Jr. and his wife, Megan Weber, who was in the front passenger seat, were in Montauk for a wedding and were on their way to a rehearsal dinner in the dock area when the accident occurred. The Webers are from Baltimore.

The chief expressed his gratitude to the Montauk Fire Department for its quick response and treatment, and to Ms. Weber, who immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Sergeant Roman, who had hit the front windshield upon collision and bounced over the car. He has "multiple serious broken bones, including his arm, leg, hand and some vertebrae compression issues," in addition to multiple lacerations, Chief Sarlo said. 

A 14-year veteran of the force, the sergeant has headed one of the five squads of officers who patrol East Hampton Town since early 2012. Two officers were recently promoted to the rank of sergeant, Barry Johnson and Chelsea Tierney. One of the two may temporarily replace him as he recovers.

"The care Danny received has been phenomenal," Chief Sarlo said. He said Sergeant Roman's wife, Julia Prince, "is very thankful for the support and care provided, and wants everyone to know how much she appreciates the well wishes."