An 80-year-old man was killed in a hit-and-run just outside Woodward Parkway Elementary School in Long Island. The incident took place Friday at around 11:40 a.m. in South Farmingdale, New York.
The victim, Peter Morris, had just taken part in a Veterans Day ceremony with his granddaughter at the elementary school. Just moments later, as he got into his parked car on Woodward Parkway, a vehicle crashed into him.
Police say that 24-year-old Randy Colon hit Morris with a stolen car. He tried to run away from the scene after the crash but was stopped and arrested. Morris was taken to a hospital, but he died from his injuries.
Morris was a Vietnam War veteran and well known in his community. His family described him as a devoted grandfather who recently lost his wife of nearly sixty years and was looking forward to spending time with his granddaughter on her first trip to Disney World.
“He always cared about his community. He loved us all,” said his grandson Peter Morris. “He would do whatever he could for his family.”
The school and community were left devastated by this tragedy. The school’s superintendent issued a statement regarding this incident. “Our hearts go out to the Morris family and all of the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” said school superintendent Paul Defendini.
One witness, officer Torres, said he heard an explosion, ran over with a fire extinguisher and helped pull Morris from the wreckage. “I’m never going to see this corner the same again,” he said. He, too, has made a statement showing his support for the victim’s family during this time.
“We’re here for you. We’re here for your family,” Torres said. “If there’s anything you need, we are here in Farmingdale.We’ve got your back. We’ve got the school’s back. And that’s what it’s all about, sticking together.”
Colon is now facing charges including second-degree manslaughter, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. at the school for the community to attend and pay their respects. “We hope this event will serve as a powerful sign of our strength and our long-term commitment to being there for each other,” said Superintendent Defendini.
