Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
An 85-year-old Lindenhurst woman was seriously injured when she was struck by a vehicle driven by a man whose license had been revoked, according to Suffolk County police. The crash occurred at 7:36 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the intersection of South Strong Avenue and Montauk Highway in Copiague.
Police said Frederick Finger, 74, of Copiague, was driving a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander when he attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound Montauk Highway from South Strong Avenue. During the turn, his vehicle struck pedestrian Rose Marie Schementi, 85, of Lindenhurst, who was crossing Montauk Highway from south to north at the time of impact, according to police.
Schementi was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip following the collision, where she was admitted with serious injuries, police said. The extent and specific nature of her injuries were not immediately disclosed by authorities. The early morning timing of the incident occurred during typical rush hour traffic patterns in the busy commercial corridor.
Finger was arrested at the scene and charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to Suffolk County police. The charge indicates that Finger’s driving privileges had been previously revoked by the Department of Motor Vehicles, making his operation of the vehicle illegal under New York State law.
Police issued Finger a desk appearance ticket, meaning he was released from custody with a promise to appear in court at a later date rather than being held pending arraignment. The specific court date and location where Finger will appear were not immediately announced by authorities.
Detectives from the Suffolk County Police First Squad are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the collision to contact the First Squad at (631) 854-8152. The investigation will likely examine factors such as visibility conditions, traffic signals, crosswalk usage, and the specific mechanics of how the collision occurred during the left turn maneuver.
Location & Road Context
The crash occurred at the intersection of South Strong Avenue and Montauk Highway in Copiague, a busy commercial area in western Suffolk County. Montauk Highway serves as a major east-west arterial road running through multiple Long Island communities, carrying significant commuter and commercial traffic throughout the day.
This section of Montauk Highway in Copiague features numerous businesses, shopping centers, and residential areas, making it a high-pedestrian-activity zone. The intersection with South Strong Avenue is a controlled intersection that handles substantial traffic volumes, particularly during morning and evening rush hours when commuters are traveling to and from work.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
The third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation charge filed against Finger is a misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law. This charge specifically applies to individuals who operate a motor vehicle while their license is revoked, suspended, or otherwise invalid. The designation of “third-degree” indicates this may be a first offense or involve circumstances that don’t elevate it to the more serious second or first-degree charges.
The issuance of a desk appearance ticket suggests that prosecutors and police determined Finger was not a flight risk and could be safely released pending his court appearance. The ongoing investigation by First Squad detectives will likely determine whether additional charges may be filed based on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of Schementi’s injuries.
Broader Impact
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges with unlicensed drivers on Long Island roadways, particularly in high-traffic areas like Montauk Highway where pedestrians frequently cross. The early morning timing of this crash, occurring during peak commuter hours, underscores the heightened risks faced by pedestrians navigating busy intersections during rush hour periods when driver attention may be divided and visibility conditions can be challenging.