Two teenage girls were struck while crossing Sunrise Highway near Merrick Avenue in Merrick on the night of May 22, when a dark-colored SUV hit them and took off, according to Nassau County police. The victims, ages 15 and 17, were taken to a nearby hospital and treated for minor injuries. Investigators say the driver did not stop to exchange information, and detectives are still working the case.
In a Facebook post, the Nassau County Police Department shared photos of the SUV and announced a reward for information. The case is listed as 2026cr344088, and the post urges anyone with tips to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or the NCPD 7th Squad at 516-573-6700. Tipsters can stay anonymous, police said.
What Police Are Looking For
Detectives say the teens were hit at about 10:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22, as they crossed Sunrise Highway, and that the SUV kept going eastbound. Officers are searching for a dark-colored SUV and a male driver. As reported by Patch, police have released still images from surveillance video and are asking anyone who has dash-cam or home security footage from the area to come forward.
Why This Stretch Matters
The intersection by the Merrick LIRR station pulls in heavy commuter foot traffic and has seen other recent crashes, including a February incident when a crossing guard was struck while shoveling snow. State traffic-safety data compiled by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee show that Long Island is overrepresented in pedestrian fatalities and that pedestrian injuries have climbed in recent years, highlighting long-running safety concerns on busy corridors like Sunrise Highway.
How To Report Tips
Anyone who recognizes the vehicle or has information about the driver is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or the NCPD 7th Squad at 516-573-6700. The department says tips can be given anonymously and reward money is on the table, according to its Facebook post. The investigation into case 2026cr344088 remains active, and detectives say they are still reviewing video and speaking with witnesses.
