Man Who Hit, Killed Manorville Pedestrian After Drinking At Hampton Bays Bar Indicted: DA

MANORVILLE, NY — A Holtsville man was indicted on Wednesday after striking and killing a Manorville pedestrian, following an afternoon of drinking at a Hampton Bays bar, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

Campbell Smith Jr., 58, was indicted on charges including second-degree manslaughter after reportedly striking and killing 54-year-old Michael Barnhardt on County Road 111 in August, Tierney said.

According to the investigation, on August 31, at about 8:33 p.m., Smith was driving his red 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 recklessly on County Road 111 in Manorville when he struck Barnhardt, who was attempting to cross the street, the DA said.

Smith was accused of driving fast and using the center turning lane as a lane of travel to cut around traffic when he hit Barnhardt, who was standing in the turning lane, waiting for an opportunity to continue crossing the street, Tierney said.

Barnhardt died at the scene as a result of the injuries he sustained from the crash, the DA said.

Prior to the crash, witnesses indicated that Smith was driving aggressively on Sunrise Highway, tailgating, as well as cutting the line of traffic on the exit ramp waiting to turn onto Route 111, Tierney said.

In addition, the DA said, Smith never reported the crash, but instead, brought the truck to a body shop a few days later to repair the damage.

The investigation led police to that body shop where they ultimately seized the truck for evidence, Tierney said. Further investigation revealed that the truck had damage to the hood and upper grill consistent with the crime scene, the DA said.

Detectives also discovered that Smith was reportedly at a bar in Hampton Bays on the day of the crash from about 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., where he was seen drinking multiple alcoholic beverages, Tierney said.

On September 11, Smith was placed under arrest, Tierney said. On Wednesday, Smith was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven Pilewski on charges including one count of second-degree manslaughter, a Class C felony; one count of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony; one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, a Class D felony; one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, a Class D felony; one count of tampering with physical evidence, a Class E felony; one count of driving while intoxicated, an unclassified misdemeanor; and one count of reckless driving, an unclassified misdemeanor, the DA said.

Justice Pilewski ordered Smith held on a $30,000 cash, $60,000 bond, or $300,000 partially secured bond; he is due back in court on January 20, 2026, and faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count, the DA said.

He is being represented by Brian Griffin, who was not immediately available for comment.

"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 and all Suffolk County residents, because they deserve to feel safe on our roads."