Suspect in fatal Calverton crash posts lowered bail
A Middle Island man arrested for allegedly hitting and killing a cyclist while driving on drugs earlier this month has posted bail after it was reduced last week.
William Slatton, 30, was driving with four children under the age of nine in his car and with a suspended license when he hit a bicyclist on Route 25 in Calverton on Nov. 1, authorities said.
The bicyclist, Steven Kane, 57, of Brightwaters, was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the efforts of several passing motorists, including the Ridge Fire Department chief, to save him.
Mr. Slatton is facing charges of driving while ability impaired by drugs, third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Bail was originally set in Riverhead Town Justice court at $50,000 cash or $100,000 bond, but was reduced to $1,000 cash or $2,000 bond after a Nov. 20 court appearance, a town court official said. Mr. Slatton then posted bail that day, corrections officials said.
It was not immediately clear why his bail was lowered so drastically. Mr. Slatton is due back in Riverhead Justice Court on Jan. 15.
Mr. Kane was a well-known and respected manager of safety engineering at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
He was also was a competitive cyclist who raced with East End Cycle Team and had finished first in his age group in several events.
