Honda Pilot ran over man between Dante and Dixon avenues before driver fled
April 23, 2026 | Copiague, NY
Authorities in Copiague have arrested a 19-year-old local man following a deadly hit-and-run incident that claimed a pedestrian's life late Thursday evening.
Fernando Martinez, 19, was charged after a hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian on Vespucci Avenue in Copiague.
Fernando Martinez faces charges for leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash. The crash unfolded around 10:45 p.m. on Vespucci Avenue, where a Honda Pilot struck and killed an unidentified man believed to be Hispanic and in his late 30s.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred between Dante and Dixon avenues. Witnesses reported the driver fleeing northbound on Vespucci Avenue before turning left onto Dixon Avenue. Police quickly located and impounded the suspect's vehicle in Copiague for evidence.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: April 23, approximately 10:45 p.m.
- Location: Vespucci Avenue, Copiague, NY, between Dante and Dixon avenues
- Vehicle Involved: Honda Pilot
- Victim: Unidentified Hispanic man, late 30s, pronounced dead at the scene
- Suspect: Fernando Martinez, 19, of Copiague, charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash
- Agency: Suffolk County Police Department
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen?
Hit-and-run incidents remain a persistent issue on U.S. roads. Data from the Federal Highway Administration shows these crashes occur more than once per minute nationwide. Common factors include driver intoxication, unlicensed operation, or fear of arrest.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Annual Hit-and-Run Fatalities |
Approximately 2,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Yearly Increase Since 2009 |
About 7% |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Daily Hit-and-Run Incidents |
Over 1,440 |
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) |
Such statistics underscore the urgency of thorough investigations to hold drivers accountable and support affected families.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the critical role of prompt, independent investigations in hit-and-run cases to safeguard victims' rights and pursue justice.
“In cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney in a timely manner to protect the family of a victim’s rights,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve. An attorney can also ensure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives on motor vehicle crashes:
- Independent investigations can uncover negligence through factors like road conditions and visibility.
- Families may seek compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost companionship, and emotional distress.
- Legal action helps ensure reckless drivers face consequences, promoting road safety.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, hit-and-run, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
Pending investigation outcomes, the victim's family could explore a wrongful death claim covering expenses and losses.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline 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 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).