Long Island school superintendent plows into Harley Davidson in drunk-driving crash: cops
An outgoing Long Island school district superintendent was busted for drunk driving after critically injuring a motorcyclist in a weekend smash-up, authorities said.
Dr. Michael Hynes, 53 – the Superintendent of Schools for the Port Washington Union Free School District – left 63-year-old Alberto Fernandez with serious injuries in the collision just after 9 p.m. Sunday in Sayville, Suffolk County Police said.
Hynes was driving his Honda Civic north on Railroad Avenue when he tried to turn left onto Depot Street and slammed into Fernandez, who was heading south on a Harley-Davidson, authorities said.
Fernandez, of Sayville, was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment of serious injuries, cops said.
Meanwhile, Hynes – who “had bloodshot glassy eyes, slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet” — was slapped with a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge, according to cops and a criminal complaint.
The arrest marked the first such offense for Hynes, who was released on his own recognizance during his Monday arraignment at First District Court in Central Islip.
In a statement issued to families, the district said that Dr. Christopher Shields will immediately take over the role of acting superintendent “to ensure stability and continuity in our district during this time.”
“We are committed to keeping you informed and will share updates as soon as more details become available,” the statement said.
Hynes was already set to resign from his post, effective Dec. 13, Port Washington News reported.
“An opportunity has presented itself, which is something I have never experienced so far in public education,” Hynes told the outlet earlier this month, without detailing his new endeavor.
“This experience, I believe, will be good for me and my family.”
Hynes is a Fulbright Specialist who also serves as an associate professor of education and leadership at Long Island University and Stony Brook University, according to his online biography.
He was featured in the full-length documentary “Chasing Childhood” and also authored the book, “Staying Grounded: 12 Principles for Transforming School Leader Effectiveness.”
