Nassau PD arrest 21-year-old in fatal Hewlett hit-and-run
Police say the driver got out of the vehicle, dragged the victim to the side of the road and then got back into the car and drove off.
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A 21-year-old man was arraigned Monday, accused in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 74-year-old man earlier this month in Hewlett.
Court records show that Yonatan Cohen, 21, was charged Monday with leaving the scene of an accident, resulting in death.
Cohen pleaded not guilty.
The incident happened on Wednesday, Dec. 18 just after 10 p.m.
News 12 reported that Jeffrey Frank was crossing Broadway when he was hit by a dark colored SUV.
Police say the driver got out of the vehicle, dragged the victim to the side of the road and then got back into the car and drove off.
Frank was known throughout the Five Towns as "JJ." He was a longtime volunteer with the Hewlett Fire Department and a beloved DJ who spent many years at Backstage in Woodmere.
Frank's longtime friend Chris McManus spoke with News 12 just hours after Cohen was arrested.
"It's nice there's been an arrest, you know. I'm sure it was an accident, I'm sure it was, you know, a hasty decision on whoever's part it was, but the fact that they came forward is encouraging," said McManus.
Boris R. Nektalov, Cohen's attorney, wouldn't speak with News 12 on camera or by phone, but he disputes the information from police.
"He flagged the police to the scene, and he remained with the deceased until he was picked up by the ambulance," said Nektalov.
He added, "This morning, on Monday, December 30, 2024, My client, Yonatan Cohen had voluntarily surrendered to the 5th Police Precinct located at 1490 Franklin Ave at 7:30 AM. This surrender was planned a week in advance with my client, the DA's office and Nassau County Police Department, Homicide Squad, as soon as we learned that he was wanted by the police in connection to the alleged crime of leaving the scene of an accident.
This was an unfortunate accident and my client and his family express their deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Jeffrey Frank who are mourning his loss. This accident is still being investigated by the DA's office as well as my office. Mr. Cohen is presumed innocent and he is awaiting his day in court," said Nektalov.
Cohen's next court date is Jan. 2 in county court.
He was released on $15,000 bail.
