Police: John Almeida, of Baiting Hollow, arrested for Shirley hit-and-run that injured Marie Braccia, of Mastic

Police: John Almeida, of Baiting Hollow, arrested for Shirley hit-and-run that injured Marie Braccia, of Mastic

A Baiting Hollow man has been arrested for allegedly striking a Mastic woman with his car last week, then fleeing the scene.
The hit-and-run happened Thursday on Grand Avenue in Shirley, just north of Montauk Highway. Police say 23-year-old John Almeida struck 54-year-old Marie Braccia as she attempted to cross the street.
Braccia was hospitalized with serious injuries, and on Sunday, she remained in the hospital.
Prosecutors say Ameida confessed to the crime when he was confronted by police last night, saying, "I'm sorry for what I did. I hit her and took off."
Almeida has a prior conviction for criminal weapon possession, officials say.
At his arraingment today, Almeida was ordered held on $50,000 cash bail or $150,000 bond for the hit-and-run. He is due back in court on Sept. 19.