A bicyclist was struck and killed Thursday afternoon after police say a man driving under the influence of drugs with his four children in the car crossed over Route 25 near Calverton National Cemetary and hit the man head-on.
Riverhead Police identified the alleged driver – charged with violating Leandra's Law, a felony – as Middle Island resident William Slatton, age 30. Cops said four children under the age of nine were in the car at the time of the accident.
Police said Slatton was driving a 2005 Toyota Camry westbound on Route 25 when his car veered across the road, into oncoming traffic, and hitting a bicyclist later identified as Brightwaters resident Steven F. Kane, age 57.
The incident occurred just after 1:30 p.m. police said, and despite efforts to revive Kane on the scene by passing motorists and a Ridge fire chief, the man was pronounced dead at the scene by Wading River Fire Department paramedics. He was transported to the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office in Hauppauge.
Police said Slatton was driving with a suspended license, was charged with several vehicle and traffic violations, and was held overnight for a Friday morning arraignment.
Riverhead detectives are investigating the crash, and are asking any witnesses to call the department at 631-727-4500, ext. 289.
Correction: This article previously stated that Slatton was charged with DWI engandering the welfare of a child, not DWAI. We regret the error.
