According the New York State Police, the operator of a 1997 Ford Explorer was eastbound on the Southern State Parkway in the vicinity of exit 17. While traveling eastbound, the Ford struck a 2016 Honda Accord and then exited the parkway at exit 17N.
While exiting the parkway, the Ford struck and subsequently went over the guiderail, striking a 2011 Dodge Challenger on the other side. The operator of the Ford fled the scene on foot leaving a child behind who was a passenger inside the vehicle. The child was uninjured and turned over to his mother.
Later in the evening, Kenneth R. Willis, 36, of Roosevelt, turned himself in to State Police East Meadow. Willis was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and was held for morning arraignment.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.