A Lindenhurst man was indicted for manslaughter for his role in a crash that resulted in one death and four injuries.
On September 22, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Felix Pantaleon was allegedly driving his 2014 Honda Civic westbound on the Southern State Parkway in North Babylon, while traveling at approximately 121 miles per hour. Pantaleon was allegedly cutting off other vehicles and weaving between lanes. At the time, he allegedly used his cellphone to record himself driving at a high speed. Pantaleon then allegedly hit the rear of a 2009 Honda CRV, resulting in the two motor vehicles veering off the roadway.
The CRV ultimately crashed into the woods next to the right-hand shoulder of the highway. The Civic initially slammed into the median barrier before also careening off into the woods. The driver of the CRV, Reynaldo Collado, was pronounced dead at the scene. One passenger in the CRV sustained serious injuries that included fractured vertebrae and pelvis, and currently has the victim residing in a rehabilitation facility for continuing medical treatment. The three other occupants of the CRV sustained various other injuries that required medical treatment at local hospitals.
On January 7, 2025, Pantaleon was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins, for the following charges:
- One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony
- One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony
- Three counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors
- One count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor
- One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor
- Speeding, a Traffic Infraction
- Failure to Maintain Lane, a Traffic Infraction
- Use of Portable Electronic Devices, a Traffic Infraction
Collins ordered Pantaleon remanded without bail. His next court date is January 16, 2025.
“We deserve safe roadways,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office will seek to hold this defendant accountable for his alleged deadly choices and the death of Mr. Collado.”