MASSAPEQUA, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced yesterday that a grand jury has indicted Lloyd Berger, 64, of Copiague, on felony charges for allegedly fleeing the scene after fatally striking a pedestrian on Montauk Highway earlier this month.
According to prosecutors, the November 5, 2025, incident was the second hit-and-run reported that day within Suffolk County.
These tragedies are becoming an all-too-common occurrence,” Tierney said in a statement. “People are being left to die in the roadway as if their lives don’t matter. But make no mistake: if you flee the scene, you will be found, and my office will prosecute you.”
Investigators say that around 8:44 p.m. on November 5, Berger was driving a 2003 Toyota Camry westbound at a high speed on Montauk Highway in Copiague when he allegedly struck 69-year-old Louis Lasula of Massapequa Park, who was attempting to cross the roadway. Lasula died at the scene from his injuries.
Prosecutors allege that Berger did not stop, render aid, or notify emergency responders. Instead, he continued driving to a friend’s home located just around the corner from the crash site.
Two days later, on November 7, 2025, Suffolk County Police located Berger at a motel in Lindenhurst and took him into custody.
Berger was arraigned on December 1, 2025, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski on charges including 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.
Justice Pilewski ordered Berger held on $500,000 cash bail, $1,000,000 bond, or a $5,000,000 partially secured bond. Berger is due back in court on January 15, 2026. If convicted on the top count, he faces a potential sentence of up to 7 years in state prison.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Lloyd Berger, 64, of Copiague |
| Victim | Louis Lasula, 69, of Massapequa Park |
| Incident Date & Time | November 5, 2025, approximately 8:44 p.m. |
| Location | Montauk Highway, Copiague, Suffolk County |
| Allegations | Berger allegedly struck the victim with his 2003 Toyota Camry and fled without rendering aid or reporting the crash |
| Fatality | Lasula was pronounced dead at the scene |
| Arrest Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Arrest Location | Lindenhurst motel |
| Charges | • Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting (Class D felony) • Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (unclassified misdemeanor) |
| Arraignment | December 1, 2025, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski |
| Bail | $500,000 cash, $1,000,000 bond, or $5,000,000 partially secured bond |
| Next Court Date | January 15, 2026 |
| Potential Sentence | 2⅓ to 7 years in state prison if convicted on the top count |
| DA’s Statement Summary | DA Tierney condemned the rise in hit-and-run crashes, warning that drivers who flee will be found and prosecuted |
