State police: Man spotted with crack pipe flips car while fleeing troopers on Southern State Parkway

Troopers say they found 62-year-old Peter Deleon inside his vehicle holding a lighter, a glass pipe and a white substance that appeared to be crack cocaine.

Lauren Pena

May 19, 2025, 10:05 AM

Updated 3 hr ago

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A man who flipped his car during a chase on the Southern State Parkway Saturday in Hempstead is facing numerous charges, according to state police. Authorities say troopers noticed a BMW parked on the side of the highway with hazard lights activated around 3 a.m. They approached the vehicle to ask if the driver needed assistance. They found 62-year-old Peter Deleon holding a lighter, a glass pipe and a white substance that appeared to be crack cocaine. Troopers asked him to roll down his window. He complied but sped off after being asked to turn off his car. During a short pursuit, Deleon crashed into the center median and flipped his car. He was then taken into custody and treated for a laceration on his head. The charges against him include criminal possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation and several other traffic violations. State police say Deleon is being lodged at Nassau County Jail as he awaits arraignment.