Pedestrian dead, driver charged in hit-run

A pedestrian walking along a darkened highway in Hauppauge was killed Saturday in a hit and run, and soon after the driver who fled was arrested, Suffolk County police said.

Thomas Wik Jr., 23, of Nesconset, was killed about 4:45 a.m. on Route 347, west of South Plaisted Avenue, when a 2006 Honda allegedly driven by Craig Williams struck Wik, who was walking east, police said.

Williams, 38 and also of Nesconset, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, a felony.

A man who answered the phone at Wik's home said the family might speak to a reporter Sunday. A woman at Williams' home said, "No comment" and hung up.

Williams' defense attorney, Tad Scharfenberg of Bohemia, said last night that Williams surrendered to police within an hour of the hit-and-run.

"He wasn't trying to hide. He wasn't trying to do any of that stuff, is my understanding," Scharfenberg said.

Asked about the circumstances of the crash, the attorney said, "There was no alcohol or drugs."

Police did not release any further details.

Scharfenberg said a not-guilty plea was entered and that the arraignment judge Saturday set bail at $25,000, which Williams' family was trying to post.

Williams is married with two young children, Scharfenberg said.

"This is just a tragic accident -- and nothing more. The family's heart does go out to the person who lost his life and their family. It's just a tragedy all around," Scharfenberg said.

The case is due back in court Thursday.

With Robert Brodsky

and Deon J. Hampton