Two Long Islanders were killed Sunday in a high-speed crash after intentionally backing their van into a police squad car and fleeing the scene, investigators said.
Eduardo Zapata, 23, of Westbury, and Jackeline Reyes, 22, of Bellmore, died in the accident shortly after 4 a.m.on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
The couple were spotted arguing in their parked van by a highway patrol officer who stopped to investigate. While the officer was standing outside his squad car, Zapata intentionally backed into it and sped away, investigators said.
Soon after, police saw the van speed west on Hempstead Turnpike and strike a car attempting to turn onto the turnpike from Meacham Avenue. The van then struck a nearby utility pole.
The couple died at the scene, investigators said. The driver of the other vehicle refused medical attention.
