George Hackett, 52, of Wading River, was formally arraigned in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, June 28 on aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, June 8, Hackett was on multiple drugs and speeding on the Sunrise Freeway in East Quogue when his Hyundai SUV crashed into the A Nissan SUV driven by the victim, Franklin Blake.
Blake, of Queens, died from injuries sustained when the vehicle was thrown into the woods, prosecutors said.
Hackett’s vehicle overturned and landed upright as he continued east on the Sunrise Highway.
His car broke down and he was found walking on Flanders Highway 24, nearly two miles from the scene of the accident.
“The defendant’s alleged actions to flee the scene of this horrific crash and allow innocent people to die were cowardly and selfish,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement.
“Anyone found driving under the influence of drugs and endangering the lives of Suffolk County residents will be held accountable.”
Hackett was charged in court on Wednesday with:
- Aggravated vehicular homicide (felony)
- Second degree manslaughter (felony)
- Second-degree vehicular manslaughter (felony)
- Leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it (felony)
- Second Degree Assault (Felony)
- Driving under the combined effects of drugs (felony)
- Two counts of driving under the influence of drugs (felony)
- Bypassing an ignition interlock (misdemeanor)
- Reckless driving (misdemeanor)
The judge ordered Hackett to post $1 million cash bond, $2 million bond or $10 million partial bond bond.
He is due to appear in court again on Wednesday, July 26.
Click here
Follow the Nassau Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
