Introduction to the Tragedy
A family and community is grappling with the death of 15-year-old Anthony Benitez, who was hit by a car while riding an e-bike.
"Devastating. Devastating. That’s all I could say. We’re all heartbreaking," Emily Alvaranga, the teen’s aunt, said.
The Incident Unfolds
This story starts in Queens on Hillside Avenue where the NYPD says officers responded to a report of a knife point robbery and the suspect was riding an e-bike. Police canvassed the neighborhood and spotted a 15-year-old kid on a bike — who they say fled when they approached him. The NYPD says that kid, now a suspect, was later hit and killed on Lakeville Road. Neither the NYPD nor Nassau County Police will release the name of but Alvaranga says it’s her nephew and he was not a criminal.
“All I want is justice for whatever happened to him," Alvaranga said. "And I think all my family wants justice too.”
The Investigation
When pressed, the NYPD would not give NBC New York more detail about what happened.
Meanwhile, Benitez’s family says they don’t know why the teen would have fled from police in Queens. They don’t believe he would ever commit a crime and they say they have been told nothing by police — finding out all the details they know from the news.
Community Reaction
Flowers and candles mark the spot where he took his last breath. At the scene of the crash, multiple friends and parents call Benitez a good student who played football and lacrosse — and who loved riding his bike.
“They said, ‘Mom they got it all wrong this kid would never do that. He’s a nice kid,’” a parent said.
Alexandra Gerazounis, of New Hyde Park, shared similar sentiments.
"Highly unlikely," Gerazounis said. "From what I see of the family and what I know of the child it doesn’t seem likely.”
Arrest and Aftermath
Nassau County Police did make an arrest of the driver of the car that hit the boy, 28-year-old Ruyan Ali of New Hyde Park was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality, aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.
Meanwhile, the local high school sent out a recorded message offering grief counseling.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Anthony Benitez has left his family, friends, and community in shock and grief. As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered, including why Benitez fled from police and the circumstances surrounding his death. The community has come together to support the family and seek justice for the teen.
FAQs
Q: What was Anthony Benitez doing when he was hit by a car?
A: Benitez was riding an e-bike when he was hit by a car.
Q: Why did Benitez flee from police?
A: The reason for Benitez’s flight from police is still unclear, but his family believes he was not involved in any criminal activity.
Q: What charges were filed against the driver of the car?
A: The driver, 28-year-old Ruyan Ali, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle.
Q: How is the community supporting Benitez’s family?
A: The community has come together to offer support and grief counseling to Benitez’s family, and many have expressed their condolences and shock at his tragic death.
