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L.I. Man Arraigned After Arrest For DWI Following Fatal Crash

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Suffolk County Police are investigating a crash that killed a pedestrian on Long Island.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall On The Case

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Police say 20-year-old Leonard Hoppie was driving a 1999 Plymouth Voyager northbound on Cordello Avenue with his 10-year-old brother in the vehicle when he struck a male pedestrian at the intersection of Cordello Avenue and Clayton Street.

The unidentified victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.

Police say the victim, apparently an Hispanic man, was between 20 to 25-years-old.

Hoppie and his brother were uninjured in the 10:15 p.m. crash Tuesday.

Hoppie was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Passenger 15-Years-Old or Younger, and Endangering the Welfare of Child.

Arraignment took place at First District Court in Central Islip on Wednesday.

Hoppie was handcuffed as he faced the judge and pleaded not guilty to the numerous charges against him.

"An innocent person lost their life as a result of someone underage consuming an alcoholic beverage and with a 10-year-old in the car," said Suffolk County assistant district attorney John Scott Prudenti.

Hoppie's attorney, John Loturco, told a differnt story. He said his client was not intoxicated.

"This victim ran across the road and he didn't see him," said Loturco.

Hoppie's bail was set at $200,000 bond. His attorney said it is too high for the family and his client will likely remain behind bars.

Meanwhile, his vehicle was impounded for a safety check.

The child was released to the custody of a family member.

Detectives are requesting anyone who witnessed the crash or who may know the identity of the victim to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

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