Long Island Triathlon Bicyclist Seriously Injured By SUV; Driver Arrested: Cops

SHIRLEY, NY — A Westbury woman drove her SUV into the Smith Point Triathlon race route in Shirley and struck a bicyclist, seriously injuring him on Sunday morning, Suffolk police said.

Ramona Jakeline Figueroa-Lopez was driving a 2023 Nissan SUV eastbound, trying to leave the parking lot of Smith Point County Park while the area was closed to traffic for the triathlon when it went into the race route and struck a triathlete during the bicycle portion of the
race at 7:15 a.m., according to police.

The bicyclist, a 43-year-old Selden man, was taken by police medevac to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious physical injuries, police said.

Figueroa-Lopez was not injured, police said, adding that a woman riding in the car with her had minor injuries.

Figueroa-Lopez, 29, was charged with reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and driving without a court-ordered interlock device, all misdemeanors.

The Nissan was impounded for a safety check.

Police had Smith Point Bridge and Smith Point Marina closed from 6:30 to 10 a.m.

William Floyd Parkway was also closed in both directions south of Parkview Drive, and drivers traveling southbound on William Floyd Parkway were diverted onto Stuart Road.

Additional traffic was diverted onto Parkview Drive, and motorists were advised to use alternate routes.

Figueroa-Lopez was released on a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on Aug. 25.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the 7th Squad at 631-852-8752.