Cops: High driver kills Brightwaters bicyclist
A 57-year-old bicyclist was killed Thursday after he was struck by a car driven by a man high on drugs in Calverton, Riverhead Town police said.
The driver, identified as William C. Slatton, 30, of Middle Island, is charged with driving while under the influence of drugs and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child -- because, police said, he had his four children, all under age 9, in the car at the time of the fatal accident.
Police said Slatton also was driving with a suspended driver's license. Specifics on the drugs he's accused of abusing were not immediately available.
The victim was identified as Steven F. Kane, of Brightwaters. Police said he was riding his bicycle eastbound on the shoulder of Route 25 near Calverton National Cemetery when Slatton struck and killed him about 1:30 p.m.
Police said Slatton was driving his 2005 Toyota Camry westbound on Route 25 when he "veered across the roadway into oncoming eastbound traffic" and continued along the shoulder of the road -- striking Kane as he rode his bike.
Several witnesses and passing motorists, including a fire chief from the Ridge Fire Department, attempted to aid Kane, but the bicyclist died at the scene, police said.
Arraignment details for Slatton were not immediately available Friday. Police ask anyone with information about the accident to call 631-727-4500, ext. 289.
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