Authorities say the off-duty police officer involved in Tuesday morning's fatal crash on the Sunrise Highway in West Islip was traveling the wrong-way.

Investigators say a 2016 Ford van and a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder, driven by Officer Robert Scheuerer, were involved in the crash on the westbound side of the highway, between exits 39 and 40, at 4:38 a.m.

Investigators say Scheurer was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes at the time of the incident. He was charged with reckless endangerment and has been suspended without pay.

Scheurer, who has been on the police force for only a year, was airlifted to the hospital with serious leg injuries. He will be arraigned at a later date.

A blood test was administered at the hospital to determine if the off-duty officer was under the influence at the time of the crash.

Police believe the victim, whose name has not yet been released, may have been homeless.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.