Freeport Resident Victim of Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident

A fatal vehicular accident occurred on April 23 in Massapequa, claiming the life of Cynthia Mitchell, 64, a resident of Freeport.

According to reports from the Homicide Squad, the accident occurred at 6:45p.m. when Rachel Lodice, 21, of Jericho, operating a 2023 Kia, struck a 2022 Nissan Altima while traveling southbound on Hicksville Road.

The collision resulted in severe trauma to Mitchell, the 64-year-old female operator of the Nissan, who was transported to an area hospital. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at 7:34p.m.

Additionally, a 46-year-old female passenger of the Nissan sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also transported to an area hospital for treatment.

Amidst the chaos, a Town of Oyster Bay Public Safety Officer, on patrol, came upon the accident scene and stopped to assist. However, Lodice, the driver of the Kia, fled the scene in the officer’s marked vehicle.

Lodice was located shortly afterward and arrested.

As a result of the incident, Lodice faces serious charges including Vehicular Manslaughter, Leaving the Scene of an Incident, Driving While Intoxicated, and Grand Larceny.

Lodice was arraigned on Wednesday, April 24 at First District Court, Hempstead where she pled not guilty.