Cover credit – Smithtown Department of Public Safety
It was just another Saturday night patrol for Park Ranger Leyland Crocilla—until it wasn’t. Around 7:53p.m. on March 1, 2025, what should have been a routine evening turned into a dangerous confrontation with an out-of-control drunk driver, one that left Crocilla injured but ultimately ensured the safety of Smithtown residents.
Crocilla, a dedicated public servant, was patrolling when he spotted a vehicle with severe front-end damage heading north on Landing Avenue. The driver, later identified as 52-year-old Gregory Babigian of St. James, made a reckless attempt to turn onto Edgewood Avenue and, in the process, struck another car head-on. Instead of stopping, Babigian decided to flee—an all-too-common and often deadly decision made by impaired drivers.
Recognizing the immediate danger, Crocilla did what law enforcement officers do best—he took action. Initiating a traffic stop, he ordered Babigian to pull over. Initially, the suspect complied, but then things took a violent turn. Babigian suddenly threw his vehicle into reverse and rammed Crocilla’s patrol car—not once, not twice, but three separate times. It wasn’t until his vehicle finally broke down that the drunken rampage ended.
By the time the ordeal was over, Babigian was in custody, facing a laundry list of charges: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Resisting Arrest, Assault, Criminal Mischief, Reckless Endangerment, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Meanwhile, both he and Park Ranger Crocilla were taken to the hospital, treated for their injuries, and released.
This incident is a stark reminder of the real dangers that law enforcement officers face daily, even in seemingly quiet communities like Smithtown. While most people were settling into their Saturday night routines, Crocilla put himself in harm’s way to prevent what could have been a far greater tragedy.
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) didn’t mince words when expressing his gratitude.
“First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful that Park Ranger Crocilla is safe and on the road to recovery. His courageous decision to put himself in harm’s way to stop a dangerous drunk driver speaks volumes about his bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to protecting our community,” said Wehrheim. “His swift and heroic actions undoubtedly saved lives last night. On behalf of a deeply appreciative community, we salute Park Ranger Crocilla for his outstanding service and commitment to keeping us safe. Wishing him a full and speedy recovery… I also want to commend the entire Department of Public Safety for their tireless efforts in maintaining order, deterring crime, and supporting our law enforcement agencies around the clock. Having a highly trained, well-equipped, and dedicated public safety team working alongside SCPD—whether on land or sea—is a tremendous asset to our town. Their commitment ensures the safety and well-being of our residents every single day.”
Councilman Thomas Lohmann (R-Smithtown), Director of the Department of Public Safety, echoed those sentiments.
“I am grateful that our officer and no other motorists sustained serious injuries during last night’s incident. This situation could have had a far worse outcome, and I am relieved that everyone involved is on the road to recovery,” said Lohmann. “This incident serves as yet another example of the outstanding work performed by the dedicated men and women of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety. Their commitment to protecting the community, responding to emergencies, and upholding public safety is truly commendable.”
Park rangers in Smithtown are more than just protectors of the town’s parks and beaches. New York State Peace Officers have the authority to enforce a wide range of laws, from traffic violations to criminal offenses. They work in close coordination with the Suffolk County Police Department and other agencies, serving as an integral part of the town’s public safety infrastructure.
This case highlights not just the dedication of one officer but the importance of having a well-trained, well-equipped public safety team in place. The reality is that drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 40 people die every single day due to alcohol-impaired driving. That’s more than 13,000 preventable deaths a year, all because some people still choose to get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.
It’s a crime that law enforcement officers like Park Ranger Crocilla are fighting to stop every single day. And while he may have walked away with minor injuries this time, the risks are always there.
The town of Smithtown is standing behind Crocilla and the Department of Public Safety. Their work doesn’t always make headlines, but moments like this remind us of the sacrifices they make to keep our streets safe.
For residents who want to show their support, reaching out to local law enforcement, attending town safety meetings, and simply expressing gratitude for their work can make a world of difference. And as for anyone tempted to have “just a few drinks” before driving home—don’t. Call a cab, use a ride-sharing app, or have a designated driver. The risk isn’t worth it.
For more information or to report safety concerns, contact the Smithtown Department of Public Safety at (631) 360-7553.
At the end of the day, stories like this one should serve as a wake-up call. Drunk driving doesn’t just impact the person behind the wheel—it endangers everyone on the road. And it’s thanks to officers like Park Ranger Crocilla that more lives weren’t lost that night. Let’s all do our part to keep our streets safe.
