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Update: No bail for driver accused of leaving scene of fatal crash

Update (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.): Christopher Oborski was released on his own recognizance following his arraignment on Wednesday morning before Riverhead Town Justice Allen Smith.
Mr. Oborski, who was wearing a black jogging suit in court and left wearing a hoodie over his head, said in court that he was working at the time of the incident. He said he is a salesman for a construction company.
Assistant District Attorney Erin Branigan initially asked that bail for Mr. Oborski be set at $10,000 cash or $20,000 bond.
But Judge Smith asked if this would be a “bailable” offense come Jan. 1, when new state rules take effect that will eliminate bail for most misdemeanors and non-violence felonies. Ms. Branigan said it would not.
Mr. Smith then indicated that it would not make sense to set bail now for Mr. Oborski when the state will turn him loose on Jan. 1.
“If anyone wants to quarrel with that, take it up with the state legislature,” Mr. Smith said in court.
Mr. Oborski’s next court date is Jan. 27 at the 2 p.m. session, although Mr. Smith said that grand jury notices are being exchanged in this case.
If a grand jury indicts Mr. Oborski, the case will go before county court, where penalties are more severe, instead of town court.
Mr. Oborski’s attorney, Greg Kalmar, declined to comment outside court.
Photo caption: Mr. Oborski, right, outside Riverhead Justice Court with his attorney, Greg Kalmar. (Credit: Tim Gannon)
Original Story: A series of tips led police to the owner of a vehicle that fled the scene Monday after striking a pedestrian on West Main Street.
Christopher Oborski, 45, of Moriches was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident resulting in a fatality, according to Riverhead Town police. Mr. Oborski was processed and held for arraignment on the felony charge.
The crash Monday resulted in the death of a 72-year-old Riverhead man. Police said Tuesday night the victim’s identity is still being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Police said they received a series of tips from the public and detectives located the vehicle at an auto body shop in the Riverhead area. The owner of the vehicle was later located and arrested.
Police said a preliminary investigation showed the victim had been crossing Main Street from south to north. While standing in the middle of the roadway, he was initially struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound, believed to be Mr. Oborski’s vehicle, and then a second vehicle traveling westbound.
The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene.
The victim was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. First responders had initially called for a medevac before deciding to transport the man to PBMC.