Man Charged In L. Ronkonkoma Expressway Death

Police say a Lake Grove man was drunk when he plowed into a pedestrian on the Long Island Expressway in Lake Ronkonkoma in the early morning hours of March 24.

Thomas Vaughan, 43, was arrested shortly after 2:30 a.m. when police say he struck and killed a man who was standing in the traffic lane on Sunday morning. The victim's identity is being withheld until his next of kin have been notified.

According to Newsday, Vaughan told police he was heading home from The Emporium in Patchogue, where he said he'd had a few beers, and was driving on Express Drive North when the victim "ran out in front of his vehicle causing the accident."

According to reports, police on the scene said Vaughan had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and had trouble balancing. He also was reported to have a strong scent of alcohol coming from his breath.

Vaughan was arrested for DWI and arraigned on Sunday. He was released on $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond. He's due back in court today, according to the article. Newsday also reported that Vaughan had a prior DWI conviction back in 1990, which would raise this current charge to a felony.