Man charged in fatal E. Patchogue hit-and-run
Police have arrested a man in connection with Sunday's fatal hit-and-run of a visually impaired pedestrian in East Patchogue. Police say 27-year-old Ruddy Velasquez-Morales, of Bellport, surrendered
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Apr 22, 2016, 12:27 AM
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Updated 3,061 days ago
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Police have arrested a man in connection with Sunday's fatal hit-and-run of a visually impaired pedestrian in East Patchogue.
Police say 27-year-old Ruddy Velasquez-Morales, of Bellport, surrendered Wednesday night and was arraigned Thursday.
As News 12 Long Island has reported, police were seeking a blue Ford Explorer recorded by surveillance cameras.
"He knew he hit him," says Patrick Castellanos, who provided News 12 with the surveillance images.
The SUV hit Warren Karstendick, 64, as he walked along Main Street early Sunday morning. Karstendick died a short time later.
At Velasquez-Morales' arraignment, the prosecutor accused him of hiding the damaged SUV in Manorville, where he worked, before eventually confessing to investigators.
Velasquez-Morales' lawyer, Sanford Pirotin, says the alleged admission was made over the telephone.
"My understanding is that it was not a direct communication," Pirotin says. "The detective could have spoken to anybody."
Prosecutors asked for a high bail for Velasquez-Morales, who they say is in the country illegally and poses a flight risk.
Pirotin disputed that, claiming his client had been granted asylum.
A judge set bail at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond.
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