Man Suffers Burns after Motor Vehicle Crash

Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that occurred in Smithtown today.

James Gilleo was driving his 1986 Chevy van northbound on Route 25A when he lost control of the vehicle, traveled across the southbound lanes, and crashed head-on into a tree on the west side of the road. Gilleo’s legs were pinned under the dashboard when a fire ignited.

Fourth Precinct Officer Laura Lopreto was the first officer to arrive at the scene. Officer Lopreto entered the back of the van and used a fire extinguisher to keep the flames from reaching the victim. Lopreto was unable to extinguish the fire completely and called for back-up. Officers Brian Nortillo, Robert Williams and Frank Messana of the Fourth Precinct and Officer Jeanne Riley of the Community Outreach Bureau responded and used several fire extinguishers to keep the fire from fully engulfing Gilleo.

Smithtown Fire Department responded, extinguished the flames, and freed Gilleo from his vehicle. Several civilians assisted in the rescue, including Tony Monterosso of Kings Park, Thomas Baker of Miller Place and Jeffrey Tiu of Smithtown.

Gilleo, 51, of Smithtown, who suffered a broken femur, broken ribs and burns to his legs and face, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Medical Center. Officers Lopreto, Riley, Nortillo, Messana and Williams were taken to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center where they were treated for smoke inhalation and released.

The investigation into the crash is continuing.