Holtsville man indicted for Manslaughter in Manorville hit-and-run

A Suffolk grand jury indicted a Holtsville man on multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter, in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in August on County Road 111 in Manorville, Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Tuesday.

While driving a red 2015 Dodge Ram 1500, Campbell Smith Jr., 58, of Holtsville, allegedly struck 54-year-old Michael Barnhardt on Aug. 31 as Barnhardt was attempting to cross the street. Barnhardt died at the scene, while Smith kept driving, authorities said.

Just prior to hitting Barnhardt, Smith had been driving recklessly, using the center turning lane to pass traffic and tailgating on Sunrise Highway, according to witnesses, Tierney said.

Witnesses reported he had been drinking at a bar in Hampton Bays for several hours earlier that day, the district attorney said.

Rather than reporting the collision, Smith allegedly brought the truck to a body shop to repair the damage, where police later seized it as evidence.

“This defendant’s decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while he was allegedly intoxicated led to the untimely death of Michael Barnhardt,” Tierney said. “Those dangerous decisions have deadly consequences, and we will do everything possible to seek justice for the victim.”

Smith was originally arrested on Sept. 11. He was arraigned Wednesday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski on the following charges (the top five are felony charges):

• Second-degree manslaughter
• Second-degree assault
• Second-degree vehicular manslaughter
• Leaving the scene of an incident without reporting
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Driving while intoxicated
• Reckless driving

Smith faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. The judge ordered him to be held on $30,000 cash, $60,000 bond, or $300,000 partially secured bond.

Smith is due back in court on Jan. 20.

_{Top: GLI file stock photo}