UPDATE: Cops Say Driver Fled 2 Accidents, Was Killed in Third

The driver killed in a head-on car crash on Route 58 in Riverhead on Saturday fled two other, minor accidents before the fatal collision just east of Oliver Street, police say.

 report that on Saturday at approximately 7:57 p.m., Julio Velez, 50, of Mastic was driving a 1991 Saturn eastbound on Route 58 when he apparently drove into the westbound lane, into oncoming traffic, for reasons still unknown, crashing head-on into a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara driven by Riverhead resident Lawanda Clemons, 36.

The accident took place just east of Oliver Street in the westbound lane and closed traffic on Route 58 for over four hours.

Police say reports do not immediately indicate whether or not Velez was a licensed driver.

Velez, who was extricated from his vehicle by  personnel, was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple injuries sustained in the crash.

An investigation revealed that Velez had been involved in two other, minor accidents west of the accident prior to the fatal crash and fled both.

Riverhead Town Police say after the scene of the second accident, Velez was involved in the final, deadly collision.

Clemons and her two passengers, Devin Clemons, 20, of Riverhead, and Paul Shorter, Jr., 21, of Middle Island were treated at the scene by members and were transported to  with minor injuries.

The two prior accidents occurred near the Riverhead traffic circle and Kentucky Fried Chicken, police said.

Anyone who may have witnessed any of the accidents is asked to call Riverhead Police at 727-4500.