E-Bike Rider Killed by Suspected Drunk Driver in Long Island Crash
A 28-year-old man was killed early Saturday morning, October 25, when a suspected drunk driver struck his e-bike in Melville, according to Suffolk County Police.
Authorities identified the victim as Joseph Melendez, of Wyandanch, who was riding a Fly Wing gas scooter northbound on Bagatelle Road around 1:06 a.m. when a 2018 Subaru Forester made a left turn onto Eastbound Express Drive South and collided with him.
Police said the driver, Jennifer Kirkpatrick, 24, of Melville, was found to be driving while intoxicated and was arrested at the scene. Melendez was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead.
Kirkpatrick sustained minor injuries and was treated at Huntington Hospital before being charged with Driving While Intoxicated. She was held overnight and scheduled for arraignment in First District Court in Central Islip.
Both vehicles have been impounded as part of the ongoing investigation. The Major Case Unit is asking anyone with information about the crash to call 631-852-6553.
Details about Melendez’s life have not yet been released as family and friends mourn his tragic death.
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