DA: Lynbrook Man Gets 12th Drunk Driving Conviction

A Lynbrook man will spend up to 14 years in jail after driving drunk and striking an elderly couple on their way to dinner, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's office Thursday.

Sean Crane, 51, of Lynbrook, pleaded guilty to felony drunk driving and a battery of other charges Thursday in exchange for a promised sentencing of five to 14 years in prison.

This incident was Crane's 12th drunk driving conviction since 1981, with six incidents in Nassau and six in Suffolk, said the DA. Two of his convictions resulted in his serving time in prison in upstate New York.

Officials said Crane took the keys to his girlfriend's 2011 Nissan Juke and was driving east on Merrick Road in Oceanside when he struck a 76-year-old Merrick woman and her 78-year-old husband. The incident happened May 26, 2012 at about 6:15 p.m.

The couple were holding hands and were on their way to have dinner when Crane reportedly saw them and swerved into oncoming traffic. However, the female victim was struck by the passenger side mirror. The impact broke her wrist and threw her into her husband, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon and a head wound that needed nine stitches. The female victim also sustained a road rash to her legs.

Crane pulled over immediately and returned to the scene on foot. He was arrested by Fourth Precinct officers and was found to have a .20 BAC two hours after the crash.

Crane's entire indictment included felony aggravated DWI, two counts of felony DWI, first-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, first, second, and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, two counts of third-degree assault, reckless driving, and second-degree reckless endangerment.

Judge Philip Grella will deliver the sentence Dec. 6, according to the DA's office.