A 23-year-old Massachusetts man who was in West Hempstead late Wednesday night has died from his injuries.
Nassau County Police have not released the victim's name, but did confirm the fatality and said they have arrested a Mineola man believed to be the driver.
Joaquim Gloria, 38, of Mineola, is currently in police custody and is being charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Death. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on Thursday.
At approximately 11:58 p.m. the victim was seen crossing Hempstead Turnpike from south to north near Poplar Street wearing headphones when when he was struck by a 2008 Chevrolet box truck traveling westbound, police said.
According to a witness, the car hesitated for a moment after hitting the victim, but then the driver continued eastbound and did not return.
Nassau County Police were called to the scene shortly after and the victim was transported to Winthrop Hospital. Nassau County detectives established a crime scene around 12:30 a.m., and Hempstead Turnpike was shut down at the location in both directions until nearly 4 a.m.
The charge against Gloria is only an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This is a breaking news story. Patch will continue to update the story as more details become available.
