Police: East Rockaway man charged with DWI after crashing through school fence, driving across field

Police say Edward Coghlan first crashed into a Subaru in the parking lot of a Wendy's in East Rockaway Wednesday afternoon.

News 12 Staff

Jun 3, 2021, 10:10 AM

Updated 1,302 days ago

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An East Rockaway man is accused of driving drunk, leaving the scene of one crash and then crashing through the fence of a school.
Police say Edward Coghlan first crashed into a Subaru in the parking lot of a Wendy's in East Rockaway Wednesday afternoon.
The 73-year-old took off, then drove through a chain link fence at Rhame Avenue Elementary School, according to police.
Police then say Coghlan, a retired court officer and U.S. Marine, drove erratically across the field at high speeds while about 80 kids were playing outside.
After all of that, Coghlan allegedly took off, but was arrested a short time later. Police say he had a blood-alcohol content level of .16, double the legal limit.
No children were hurt. School officials are crediting the actions of their staff in getting students directed off the field and brought into the building. They say no students were near the car at any time.
Coghlan has been charged with DWI, fourth-degree criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.
Coghlan was released without bail and is due back in court June 10.