A Babylon man was indicted in connection to a March hit-and-run in Freeport that killed a 66-year-old pedestrian, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced Thursday.
Michael Bonner, 40, was arraigned on charges of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, resulting in death, tampering with physical evidence and numerous traffic infractions.
Prosecutors say Bonner was driving a Suburban at about 8 p.m. on March 25, near the intersection of East Merrick Road and South Main Street, when he struck Narcizo de Jesus Guerra Lopez, who was in the crosswalk. and drove away.
Guerra Lopez was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but died from his injuries days later.
Investigators identified Bonner through surveillance footage and cellphone data. The vehicle involved was also described as having a distinctive large red sticker on the rear windshield. Prosecutors say Bonner later removed the sticker.
Authorities allege Bonner fled to the Carolinas, before returning to the state in early April. He was pulled over and arrested by police shortly after his return.
“The defendant allegedly struck an innocent man crossing the street and callously kept driving,” said Donnelly. “The victim was abandoned in critical condition and later died from his injuries. Michael Bonner allegedly fled the state, but he could not outrun the relentless detective work that tracked him down.”
Bonner pleaded not guilty.