Taxi Driver with Suspended License Arrested for Killing Pedestrian
Huntington Station, NY - December 22nd, 2014 - Suffolk County Police Second Squad detectives are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian last night in Huntington Station.
Christian Lopez-Barcelo was driving a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria taxi cab southbound on Depot Road when he struck the pedestrian, Raymond Sipel, who was running eastbound across Depot Road at 10:45 p.m. Sipel, 30, of Hamilton Lane, Huntington, was pronounced dead at the scene by physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.
Lopez-Barcelo, 31, of 8th Avenue, Huntington Station, was uninjured but was taken to Huntington Hospital where he was treated for stress-related symptoms and released. He was arrested and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License and released on an appearance ticket. The vehicle, which is owned by Orange and White Taxi Company, was impounded for a safety check.
The investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Second Squad at 631-854-8252.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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