(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Lloyd Berger, 64, of Copiague, was indicted for Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting for allegedly striking and killing Louis Lasula, 69, of Massapequa Park, with his car when the victim was crossing Montauk Highway.
“This was the second hit-and-run on November 5, 2025, just hours after one that happened earlier in the day. These incidents are an all-too common occurrence in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “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.”
According to the investigation, on November 5, 2025, at approximately 8:44 p.m., Berger was allegedly driving a 2003 Toyota Camry at a high speed westbound on Montauk Highway in Copiague when he struck Lasula, who was attempting to cross the street. The victim died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained in the crash. Berger allegedly did not stop to administer aid or notify authorities. Instead, Berger allegedly continued to a friend’s house, which was around the corner from where Lasula was struck.
On November 7, 2025, Suffolk County Police arrested Berger after finding him at a Lindenhurst motel.
On December 1, 2025, Berger was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for 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, $1,000,000 bond or $5,000,000 partially secured bond. His next court date is January 15, 2026, and faces 2 ⅓ to 7 years in prison if convicted on the top count. Berger is being represented by Del Atwell, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney David Geller of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective William Pizer of the Suffolk County Police Department Major Case Unit.