A New York driver has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run accident that killed a 32-year-old male victim. The arrest in the vehicular assault case came just as the New York State Crime Stoppers announced a potential $2,500 reward for information that led to the apprehension of an at-fault party. The accident occurred on Jan. 9, according to authorities, and the 28-year-old defendant was not arrested until a full week later.

Official reports show that the victim was struck by a vehicle at about 6 a.m. on Jan. 9, as he walked along Walsh Avenue near River Road in New Windsor. The man was on his way to work at American Felt & Filter, according to authorities, when he was struck by the defendant’s 1988 Chrysler LeBaron. The woman’s car had suffered damage to its right front side, as well as its windshield. At first, authorities were not sure whether the victim was struck by a vehicle, but additional inquiries revealed that he had died because of the traumatic accident. The man’s body was found in a creek near the road several hours after he died.

Authorities located the woman one week after the hit-and-run, transporting her to police headquarters for questioning. Based on that interview, the woman has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident, in addition to second-degree vehicular manslaughter. Both of those charges are considered felonies. The woman is still in custody, as an arraignment is pending in the matter.

New York drivers should realize that an arrest for vehicular assault or vehicular manslaughter does not mean that the defendant is automatically guilty. All defendants deserve a fair legal trial in which all relevant facts are considered. Drivers in hit-and-run cases may benefit from consulting a qualified attorney, who can help them learn more about the additional potential consequences associated with fleeing the scene of a wreck.

Source: Times Herald-Record, “Suspect arrested in New Windsor hit-and-run” Michael Randall, Jan. 17, 2014