What started as an early morning walk in Sunset Park ended in tragedy for one Brooklyn man, and now a 25-year-old driver is under arrest.
Police say Eric Rodriguez, 25, struck 64-year-old Douglas Bradley just before 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 21 near 44th Street and Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park. Bradley was rushed to NYU Langone Hospital - Brooklyn, where he died on Jan. 2, according to authorities.
Arrest and charges
Officers took Rodriguez into custody on Thursday and charged him with two counts of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, according to News 12 Brooklyn. Police told the outlet Rodriguez allegedly took off after the crash, and detectives say their investigation into what happened is still active.
Legal context
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §600, it is a crime to leave the scene of a crash when someone is injured. Penalties depend on how serious the injuries are and whether the driver has a prior record, as outlined by Justia. In cases involving serious physical injury or prior convictions, prosecutors can pursue enhanced charges.
Victim and timeline
Police identified the victim as Douglas Bradley, 64. He was taken from the scene to NYU Langone Hospital - Brooklyn after the Dec. 21 collision and died there on Jan. 2, officials told News 12 Brooklyn. Rodriguez’s arrest comes roughly two months after the initial crash as investigators continue to piece together the timeline and circumstances of the incident.
Community and next steps
Authorities have not said whether additional charges might follow. Prosecutors typically review collision reports, witness statements, and other evidence before deciding if further counts are warranted.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit a tip through the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers channels, in line with the department’s guidance.
