Woman charged with DWI in fatal collision in Wheatley Heights, Suffolk police say

Suffolk County police charged a woman with driving while intoxicated following a single-vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian in Wheatley Heights early morning Friday. Credit: Paul Mazza
A woman out walking early Friday morning in Wheatley Heights, where she lives, died after she was struck by a driver who has been charged with driving while intoxicated, Suffolk police said.
Blanche Pope, 60, was walking along Main Avenue around 12:10 a.m. when she was hit by a 2020 Mitsubishi driven by Shawnet Earle, 30, of Hempstead, who was headed east on Main Avenue at 26th Street, according to police.
Pope's death was pronounced at the scene, police said.
Earle was charged with driving while intoxicated. One of her two adult passengers suffered minor injuries and was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, police said.
Earle was arraigned Friday. Her bail was set at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond, according to court records.
Her attorney had no immediate comment Saturday.
Anyone who can help investigators should call 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.
Details on accused Gilgo killer's first day in custody ... Fresh Grocer closing ... Proposed Jamaica station redesign ... Expanded cancer treatments
Details on accused Gilgo killer's first day in custody ... Fresh Grocer closing ... Proposed Jamaica station redesign ... Expanded cancer treatments



