Bay Shore hit-run driver sought in fatal Christmas Day crash

Suffolk County police are seeking the public s assistance in identifying and locating the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a man in Bay Shore on Dec. 25, 2015. Credit: SCPD
Who was the driver whose car struck a man in Bay Shore on Christmas Day, then fled the scene, leaving him to die? That’s what Suffolk County police want to know.
Police are asking the public’s help identifying the driver of the sedan that struck and killed Emmanuel DeJesus Cruz Zavala of Bay Shore as he crossed Candlewood Road just after 5 p.m. Dec. 25. There is a cash reward of up to $5,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the driver being sought.
Police said the vehicle that hit Zavala is described as a compact or midsized gray or charcoal gray sedan, four-door, with a sunroof. It likely sustained damage to the passenger-side fender or front of the vehicle in the accident, police said.
Police said that after striking Zavala, it drove away on Candlewood toward Commack Road.
Three good Samaritans stopped to help Zavala, who was hit near the intersection with New Jersey Avenue at 5:08 p.m. Police said one of the three actually carried Zavala out of the street, while another, a woman, provided medical care. A witness attempted to follow the suspect’s vehicle. Police did not say if that witness was able to supply investigators with a license plate number.
Zavala was later transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, police said, where he was pronounced dead.
Police are asking anyone with information about the accident to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-8477 or the Vehicular Crime Unit at 631-852-6555. All calls will remain confidential.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.