The admitted driver in the hit-and-run death of a bicyclist in Dix Hills has been arraigned.
Authorities say Albert Dibernardo, 28, of Melville, was driving the truck that slammed into Ricardo Fernandez, 44, of Amityville. The collision occurred at around 10 a.m. on the westbound Long Island Expressway service road. They say they found a mangled bicycle frame when they arrived at the scene, as well as Fernandez's body lying in the weeds.
Dibernardo was charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting a fatality.
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Dibernardo's lawyer says he admitted to striking Fernandez. Dibernardo’s lawyer says he was reaching into the back seat of his car to grab a drink when the collision happened and that he panicked.
Dibernardo is being held on $25,000 bail.