Jonathan Wibben, Bethpage teacher, charged in fatal hit-and-run

A teacher in the Bethpage school district has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal pedestrian crash last June in Port Jefferson Station.

The driver, Jonathan Wibben, 34, of Coram, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead and was released on his own recognizance, said his attorney, William Petrillo, of Garden City. 

“He has continually expressed heartfelt sorrow over the loss of life in this case,” Petrillo said in a statement Tuesday.

Also in a statement, David Schneider, the Bethpage school superintendent said: "We are aware that one of our elementary school teachers has been arrested unrelated to any school district activities. At no time was the safety of students in jeopardy. The individual has been removed from the classroom pending the outcome of the investigation. As this is a matter of personnel, the district has no further comment."

Police said Wibben was driving an SUV about 10:10 p.m. on June 2 when he struck a male pedestrian, later identified as Peter Williams, 47, of Terryville, as he crossed southbound Route 112, south of Rose Avenue. Wibben fled the scene, police said.

A second vehicle also struck Williams, police said. That driver remained at the scene and has not been charged in connection with the crash.

Police did not immediately disclose what evidence was discovered during the seven-month investigation that led to Wibben's arrest.

The second driver has not been charged in the crash.

With Joie Tyrrell

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a reporter at Newsday since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press and Society of the Silurians for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing, and is the author of “Swee'pea,” a book about former New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. Valenti is featured in the Emmy Award-winning ESPN 30-for-30 film “Big Shot.”