A 24-year-old driver has been taken into custody for the tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a beloved grandfather in Brooklyn last month. The driver, Brian Macoto-Morales, surrendered himself at the 83rd Precinct and is facing charges for the fatal crash that resulted in the death of Segundo Reina-Gaon, 74, who was struck while crossing a street in Bay Ridge on September 11.
Surveillance footage captured the horrifying moment when Macoto-Morales’ white SUV collided with Reina-Gaon, propelling him from the crosswalk into a parked car and then onto the pavement at Ridge Boulevard and Bay Ridge Avenue around 9 p.m.
Despite being rushed to NYU Langone Hospital/Brooklyn by EMTs, Reina-Gaon succumbed to his injuries. He is fondly remembered as a loving father and spouse who left behind 20 grandchildren and five children.
Following the tragic incident, the community mourned the loss of Reina-Gaon, with one neighbor recalling his kindness and warm presence. The impact of his absence was deeply felt by those who knew him.
Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-Brooklyn) expressed the need for the responsible driver to be held accountable for his actions, emphasizing the severity of the situation captured in the video footage of the incident.
Macoto-Morales now faces charges including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury, reckless endangerment, and failure to obey traffic signals. Despite having no prior arrests, he was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Criminal Court and is being held on $75,000 bail until his next court appearance scheduled for January 7.
