Bay Shore man charged with DWI after car goes off Sayville pier and plunges into bay
Police said Nicholas Volpicelli, 26, of Bay Shore, was driving a Toyota Camry when the vehicle went off the pier and into the bay.
A Halloween night out ended with a car in the water and a Suffolk County man facing driving while intoxicated charges after police say he drove off a pier and into the bay at Sayville Marina Park early Sunday morning.
Residents were shocked by the unusual sight.
"It was very surprising to see a car in the water this morning," said Sayville resident Rick Kamensky.
Police say 26-year-old Nicholas Volpicelli, of Bay Shore, drove his vehicle off the pier and into the water at Sayville Marina Park while intoxicated.
"It's not everyday you walk by and see a car in the water," said Debi Reines, of Sayville. "I'm here 35 years. I've seen boats hit jetties, I've seen a plane land in the water. But this one is for the record. It was strange to see a car floating in the water."
Investigators said Volpicelli's vehicle became submerged in about 50 feet of water. Despite the circumstances, authorities said he was able to get out of the vehicle, return to shore and was later taken to a hospital.
He was not injured.
"It's surprising. How did he get that far out?" said Sayville resident Jack Flynn.
Kamensky said the outcome could have been much worse.
"It's a good thing the bay is that shallow. If it was deep water he probably would have had severe injuries," he said.
The incident also serves as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, particularly around Halloween.
According to federal data, 201 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Halloween night between 2019 and 2024.
Victim advocate Marge Lee, with DEDICATEDD, said the message remains the same every year: plan ahead and make sure everyone gets home safely.
"Make plans. You know what costume you're going to wear. Who's driving? Be aware you are not alone on the roads, you're not alone on the sidewalk, your kids are at risk, you're at risk. Just try to be aware," Lee said.
Volpicelli was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
