HAMPTON BAYS, NY: Another Florida man is making headlines after being charged in connection with a fatal pedestrian accident in Hampton Bays.
The Florida man, who has been identified as Kenneth Riccioli, was charged with DWI and fleeing the scene of an accident after a pedestrian was killed Friday in Hampton Bays.
The 55-year-old Florida man struck a pedestrian with his car around 7.30 pm on Springville Road and then fled, according to the cops.
The pedestrian's identity has not yet been made public by the police.
Why was the Florida man arrested?
A 911 report was received regarding a car hitting a pedestrian on Springville Road just south of Montauk Highway at 7.24 pm, according to Southampton Town police.
According to the authorities, the vehicle's driver sped off. The pedestrian was given CPR by witnesses and police, who then called Southampton Town Police and New York State Police to the site.
The victim was then taken to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital by Hampton Bays Volunteer Ambulance Corps, as per police.
What are the charges against the Florida man?
Kenneth Riccioli, 55, of Florida, was then arrested and charged with both driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident with a serious physical injury or death, a felony, and driving while intoxicated, a misdemeanor, according to police.
As per the authorities, the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Police added that identification is being kept until next of kin has been notified.
Detectives from Southampton Town Police and the New York State Police accident reconstruction unit were dispatched to the area for additional investigation, according to the police.
Where is the Florida man now?
Riccioli was released on Saturday morning after posting a $50,000 bond. The Florida man was arraigned on Saturday morning by Town Justice Gary Weber, who set bail at $25,000 cash or $50,000 secured bond.
Riccioli was released after posting a $5,000 cash and a $45,000 secured bond, as per 27 East.
What did the Florida Man's attorney say?
Colin Astarita, his attorney, stated that his client did not "flee the scene" as police claimed, but rather drove just a few blocks and returned to the area.
"Firstly, my client and his family are deeply upset and saddened by this young man’s passing," Astarita stated after the arraignment. "However, we do not believe the charge of driving while intoxicated is justified based on the facts."
The victim had run in front of Riccioli's car, according to Astarita, who also insisted that his client was not driving carelessly and that alcohol had played no part in the collision.
"While this was a tragic accident, it is unfortunately just that: an accident," Astarita added. "We are confident that when all testing is complete, these charges will be withdrawn."
