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EL SALVADORAN MAN FOUND GUILTY OF LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT CAUSING SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY AFTER A JURY TRIAL IN ABSENTIA
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Juan Morales Guerra, a 32-year-old man, was found guilty of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in serious injury to a pedestrian. After hitting the pedestrian in Brentwood, New York, on May 23, 2022, Morales Guerra fled the scene without reporting the incident or calling for help. The pedestrian suffered a traumatic brain injury requiring extensive medical treatment.
Investigation revealed video evidence of the collision and matched car parts found at the accident site to Morales Guerra’s vehicle, which was later located at his home. Initially arrested and released due to the inability to request bail, Morales Guerra fled to El Salvador before his court date.
In his absence, a jury trial was held, resulting in a guilty verdict for Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, classified as a Class E felony. The case has sparked discussions about the bail system in New York, as highlighted by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorneys Emma Henry and Alexander Bopp, with support from the Suffolk County Police Department.
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