A Bellport man has been arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs after police say he fatally struck a pedestrian on the eastbound Sunrise Highway Service Road in Bay Shore.
According to Suffolk County Police, the crash occurred near the Brentwood Road overpass. Authorities said Andrew Holmes Garriques, 27, was driving a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C350 eastbound on the service road when the vehicle struck a male pedestrian who was walking along the roadway.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the collision was reported. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released, as police are withholding his name pending notification of next of kin.
Garriques was not injured in the crash, police said. An adult female passenger who was riding in the Mercedes at the time of the incident was also unharmed and remained at the scene while detectives conducted their preliminary investigation.
Following the initial investigation, officers arrested Garriques and charged him with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. He was transported to the Third Precinct, where he is being held overnight. Authorities said he is scheduled to be arraigned Saturday, February 14, at First District Court in Central Islip.
Police have not released additional details about what may have led to the crash, including whether lighting, traffic volume or road conditions played a role. The Sunrise Highway Service Road is frequently used by early morning commuters, particularly near major overpasses and intersections.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to contact Suffolk County Police. The investigation remains ongoing.