LINDENHURST MAN CHARGED WITH MANSLAUGHTER FOR CRASH THAT KILLED ONE AND INJURED OTHERS

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Felix Pantaleon, 22, of Lindenhurst, was indicted for Manslaughter in the Second Degree and other charges for allegedly speeding, driving erratically, and crashing into the rear of another vehicle that resulted in the death of 49-year-old Reynaldo Collado, of West Babylon, and injuries to four others.

“We deserve safe roadways,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will seek to hold this defendant accountable for his alleged deadly choices and the death of Mr. Collado.”

According to the investigation, on September 22, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Pantaleon was allegedly driving his motor vehicle, a 2014 Honda Civic, westbound on the Southern State Parkway in North Babylon, while traveling at approximately 121 miles per hour. The defendant was allegedly cutting off other vehicles and weaving between lanes. At the time, the defendant allegedly used his cellphone to record himself operating the car in this dangerous manner. Pantaleon then allegedly hit the rear of a 2009 Honda CRV, resulting in the two motor vehicles veering off the roadway.

The CRV ultimately crashed into the woods next to the right-hand shoulder of the highway. The Civic initially slammed into the median barrier before likewise careening off into the woods. The driver of the CRV, Reynaldo Collado, was pronounced dead at the scene. One passenger in the CRV sustained serious injuries that included fractured vertebrae and pelvis, and currently has the victim residing in a rehabilitation facility for continuing medical treatment. The three other occupants of the CRV sustained various other injuries that required medical treatment at local hospitals.  

On January 7, 2025, Pantaleon was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins, for the following charges:

• One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
• One count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D felony;
• Three counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors;
• One count of Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor;
• One count of Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor;
• Speeding, a Traffic Infraction;
• Failure to Maintain Lane, a Traffic Infraction; and
• Use of Portable Electronic Devices, a Traffic Infraction.

Justice Collins ordered Pantaleon remanded without bail. His next court date is January 16, 2025. Pantaleon is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Rosenheck of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Investigator Kevin Doyle of the New York State Police.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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