Mom wants answers after driver hits son on bike, flees

The mother of an Islip Terrace boy hit by a car while riding his bike a few weeks ago made a plea Tuesday to the person responsible to come forward. Authorities say 11-year-old Joey Larocca was on his

News 12 Staff

Jul 23, 2008, 2:59 AM

Updated 6,000 days ago

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The mother of an Islip Terrace boy hit by a car while riding his bike a few weeks ago made a plea Tuesday to the person responsible to come forward.
Authorities say 11-year-old Joey Larocca was on his bike crossing a walking bridge near his home. A commercial van traveling southbound on Spur Drive hit Larocca, stopped for a moment and then sped away, police say.
Larocca?s friend who was riding his bike right behind him called for help. The vehicle involved is being described as light blue, in poor condition and marked with graffiti. The passenger side windows were covered with a white, weathered, mesh-like material.
Tracy Grasso says her son?s two legs were broken as a result of the hit-and-run. She adds that her son has been laid up for the summer because of his injuries.
"You've had time to think about it, to know what you have done wrong,? Grasso said at a press conference. ?Please, just find it in your heart to have some compassion for my son and turn yourself in.?
Police say they think the van may have been working in the area. Those with any information are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
To watch Tracy Grasso's press conference, go to Channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.