Pedestrian struck, killed in Central Islip

A pedestrian was struck by a car and killed early yesterday in Central Islip, Suffolk County police said.

Rafael Bertrand was walking south on Carleton Avenue, near Ackerman Street, when he was hit by a southbound Ford van about 6:45 a.m., police said. Bertrand, 64, of Brentwood, was taken to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was pronounced dead a short time later, police said.

"He was walking in the lane of traffic," said Third Precinct Det. Sgt. William Rand. It's not clear why, but witnesses said it was raining and there was some flooding on the sidewalk, he said.

The driver, Nubia Portillo, 33, of Brentwood, was not injured. Her van was impounded for a safety check.

Police are investigating what happened and ask anyone with information to call Third Precinct detectives at 631-854-8352.