A Copiague man has been indicted in connection with a fatal pedestrian accident, Suffolk County authorities reported. Lloyd Berger, 64, is charged in the incident on Montauk Highway that resulted in the death of 69-year-old Louis Lasula of Massapequa Park, according to a statement from the Suffolk County Government.
On the evening of November 5, District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney stated that Berger, while driving a 2003 Toyota Camry, allegedly struck Lasula as he attempted to cross the street. Following the collision, Berger reportedly did not stop to provide assistance or notify authorities and went to a nearby friend’s house. "People are being left to die on the road as if their lives don’t matter. But make no mistake: if you leave the scene, you will be found, and my office will prosecute you," Tierney said in a statement obtained by Suffolk County Government.
Two days after the crash, police located and arrested Berger at a motel in Lindenhurst. He was formally charged with one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony, and one count of Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, an unclassified misdemeanor. During the arraignment, Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski set Berger's bail at $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond. Berger is represented by Del Atwell, Esq.
The case, prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David Geller of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, involves a hit-and-run incident in the area. Berger’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 15, 2026. If convicted on the top charge, he could face a prison sentence of 2⅓ to 7 years. Detective William Pizer of the Suffolk County Police Department Major Case Unit conducted the investigation that led to Berger’s arrest and indictment.
