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.
