Cuff Driver For Running Down Oz. Pk. Man
Trying to walk across Atlantic Avenue proved to be a deadly trip for an Ozone Park man who was struck by a passing vehicle on the Woodhaven/Ozone Park border last Thursday night, May 16, police reported.
Law enforcement sources said 73-year-old Rafael Diaz of 88th Street died from injuries after being hit by a Toyota traveling on Atlantic Avenue near 88th Street at around 7:23 p.m. last Thursday.
The driver of the vehicle-identified by police as Joel Rodriguez, 25, of 79th Street in Woodhaven- was later charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and moving violations. As of press time, additional charges are pending the result of an ongoing investigation.
According to information obtained by police, Diaz was walking north-to-south across Atlantic Avenue between 87th and 88th Streets when he was struck by the Toyota operated by Rodriguez, which was traveling westbound on Atlantic Avenue.
The driver reportedly remained at the scene following the accident.
Members of the 102nd Precinct responded to the location along with EMS units. Paramedics rushed Diaz to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the NYPD Accident Investigation Squad, police said.
