A North Babylon man who police say was drinking and driving is accused of fatally striking a pedestrian.

The crash happened at the corner of Deer Park Avenue and August Road in North Babylon.

The victim, 46-year-old Anthony Cappa, was struck by a Mercedes-Benz around 8:30 p.m. Friday. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

News 12 has learned that Cappa lived around the corner from the scene of the crash.

The driver has been identified as 41-year-old Eddy St. Louis, also of North Babylon. Authorities say he had been drinking before getting behind the wheel.

St. Louis is being charged with driving while ability impaired, which means his blood-alcohol content was allegedly less than 0.08 but greater than 0.05.

Cappa's sister tells News 12 that he had previously served as a Suffolk County police officer at one point. Records show he had been terminated for misconduct.

Neighbors say he was a pleasant, friendly man who helped care for his elderly mother and enjoyed fishing. They were heartbroken to learn of his passing.

St. Louis was released without bail following a court appearance Saturday. He is due back in court Jan. 4.