Maria Guallpa-Bonilla is accused in a deadly hit-and-run that left a beloved firefighter dead.
The crash happened in Patchogue on Monday night at the intersection of Rider Avenue and Main Street. Guallpa-Bonilla, 36, allegedly cut off Christopher Hlavaty’s motorcycle, which his mom says he’d only just gotten. She then allegedly ran over the motorcycle and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Bonilla allegedly covered her car with a tarp after the deadly accident to avoid detection.
Hlavaty, 22, was a volunteer with the Hagerman Fire Department. His family said he was looking forward to being an uncle.
His stepfather Scott Hansen said, “Everything he did involved helping people.”
Hlavaty’s mom Janine Hlavaty told News 12 that he was a “great kid” who “did everything right.” She said he’d be the one to render aid and not “run like a coward.”
Guallpa-Bonilla’s bail was set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond. Her next court date is June 18.
The prosecutor said she was driving with a permit and not a valid license.