New charges added in the fatal vehicle accident that killed Penfield teenager

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — New charges have been added in the fatal accident that killed 16-year-old Matthew Bittner of Penfield on Oct. 30. Bittner ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 31.

The driver of the vehicle is a 39-year-old city resident, Keevin Lewis. Police say at midnight on Oct. 30, Bittner was crossing Chestnut Street at Elm Street when a car was traveling northbound with the green light when it struck Bittner while he was in the roadway.

According to the police statement, the driver stated that he did not see Bittner crossing the street until the last second due to heavy rainfall. He unsuccessfully tried to swerve to avoid Bittner.

The drive remained at the scene and was arrested and initially charged with Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd degree and Driving While Ability Impaired with Drugs (marijuana).

Lewis appeared in Rochester City Court on Dec. 3 for those charges, at which he was additionally charged with a Class D Felony Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd degree.

Lewis was released on his own recognizance with a future court date to be determined.

The 2nd degree Vehicular Manslaughter charge is due to the allegation he was operating the vehicle at the time of the fatal accident while impaired by marijuana.