Suffolk police charge Fernando Martinez in fatal hit-and-run collision

clock Created with Sketch Beta. April 27, 2026
Suffolk police charge Fernando Martinez in fatal hit-and-run collision

COPIAGUE, NY, (April 23, 2026) – Authorities have charged a 19-year-old man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a pedestrian Thursday night in Copiague.

Fernando Martinez, a local resident, was charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving a fatality.

According to Suffolk County Police, the incident occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Vespucci Avenue between Dante and Dixon avenues. Investigators said a Honda Pilot struck a man before the driver fled northbound and later turned onto Dixon Avenue.

The victim, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said he is believed to be a Hispanic man in his late 30s.

Police later located the suspect vehicle in Copiague and took Martinez into custody.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Incident Location


FATAL HIT-AND-RUN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

The suspect’s vehicle was located in Copiague and impounded as evidence.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, yet statistics show that more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads. Many drivers flee because they are intoxicated, unlicensed, or fear arrest if they remain at the scene.

Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, emphasized that in cases like this, it is essential to initiate a timely independent investigation by a qualified attorney to protect the rights of the victim’s family.

“Having the right resources is critical to properly investigate a hit-and-run case and establish negligence,” said Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Accident Injury News. “Factors such as road conditions, visibility of signage, and roadway lighting must be carefully analyzed. These steps are crucial in helping families who have lost a loved one seek justice and financial compensation. An attorney can also play a key role in ensuring that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their actions.”

Approximately 2,000 people are killed each year in hit-and-run crashes in the United States. Even more concerning, fatalities from these incidents have increased by about 7% annually since 2009.


WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Pending the results of the investigation, the pedestrian may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for medical and funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

“A wrongful death occurs when a person or entity causes a fatality through negligent or wrongful actions,” said Stefano Formica, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “When deadly crashes result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted behavior, speeding, hit-and-run incidents, or impaired driving, families are often left with the option to pursue a civil lawsuit against the responsible party.”


(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)


If your loved one has been killed by a hit-and-run driver and would like a no-cost consultation, please contact our national legal analyst Candice Bond today

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).

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