Long Island cop seriously injured in head-on crash

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - A police officer on Long Island was badly injured when his car was hit by an alleged drunk driver in the early morning hours on New Year's Day.

Nassau County Police Officer Willard Gomes is listed in serious but stable condition and is expected to survive despite sustaining a head injury, swelling and bleeding on his brain, broken vertebrae in his neck, a broken left arm, a broken left leg, a cracked rib with a contusion to the lung, various injuries to the face and several lost teeth.

Gomes was on DWI patrol when a vehicle crossed over a double yellow line along Glen Cove Road in Roslyn and crashed into the officer's patrol car head-on at around 2:30 a.m.   The crash was so severe that Gomes had to be cut out of his call.

Gomes is a 12-year veteran of the department.

The alleged drunk driver, who suffered a broken ankle, was expected to be charged with 2nd degree vehicular assault and 2nd degree assault and driving while intoxicated.  He was identified as Keith Dillion, 29, of New Hyde Park.  It was unclear if he had a lawyer.

The police union issued a statement saying:  "Our prayers are with him and his family during this time of crisis and hope he will fully recover as quickly as possible."