Friends and neighbors are rallying to support a Huntington Station man who remains in the intensive care unit at Huntington Hospital after he was struck early Sunday by a car that police say was driven by an off-duty cop who had been drinking
Jorge Alfaro, 28, was running across New York Avenue at Carver Street in Huntington about 2:30 a.m. when he was hit by a southbound Chevrolet Camaro operated by an off-duty cop who was allegedly driving drunk, Suffolk County police said.
Suffolk County Police Officer Alex “El Toro” Vargas, 30, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, police said. Vargas, a professional boxer living in Babylon and an officer assigned to the Second Precinct, was suspended without pay following the crash.
Now, as Alfaro is treated in the ICU at Huntington Hospital for serious injuries, his friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses, physical therapy and living costs while he is out of work. In its first four hours, the fundraiser had accumulated nearly $12,000 through more than 160 donations.
“Georgie is one of the kindest, gentlest souls who sees the good in every person and does nothing but cheer on his friends and celebrate their accomplishments,” wrote Anna Gulizio, who organized the GoFundMe page.
Alfaro, who Gulizio said works two jobs to support his family, faces a long road to recovery. She noted that one of the first things he said after waking up in the ICU was: “I don’t think I’m going to go to work tomorrow.” He turns 29 this week.
Detectives from the Major Case Unit are continuing to investigate the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call 631.852.6553.
Top photos: Jorge Alfaro (Facebook and GoFundMe).
