Update: A Copiague man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian Thursday night on Vespucci Avenue, Suffolk County police said.
Fernando Martinez, 19, of Copiague, was charged with Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash Involving a Fatality following the incident, which occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. between Dante Avenue and Dixon Avenue.
According to detectives, the victim was lying in the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle that did not stop. The driver fled the scene after the crash.
The victim, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he is believed to be a Hispanic man in his late 30s.
Investigators later located the vehicle involved and impounded it as evidence, leading to the arrest of Martinez.
Martinez is being held at the Suffolk County Police Department’s Third Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on April 25.
Leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality is a serious felony under New York law and can carry significant prison time if convicted.
Detectives are asking anyone with additional information about the crash to contact the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 or Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Tips can be provided anonymously.
A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Original article: A man was killed in a hit-and-run crash Thursday night on Vespucci Avenue in Copiague, Suffolk County police said.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. between Dante Avenue and Dixon Avenue, where police said the victim was lying in the roadway when he was struck by a northbound vehicle.
According to detectives, the vehicle, a 2011 Honda Pilot, ran over the man and continued northbound without stopping. The driver then turned left onto Dixon Avenue and fled the scene.
The victim, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said he is believed to be a Hispanic man in his late 30s.
Investigators later located the suspect vehicle in Copiague and impounded it as evidence. No arrests have been announced.
The Suffolk County Police Department Major Case Unit is leading the investigation.
Leaving the scene of a fatal crash can carry serious criminal charges in New York, including felony counts that may result in significant prison time if a driver is identified and convicted.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 or Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Calls can be made anonymously.
The investigation remains ongoing.
