A tragic ‘hit and run’ that left a man in critical condition has brought the community together to help police find the driver.
The parents of Jared D’Amico, a 27-year-old man who was crossing East Tremont Avenue near Milton Place when he was run over at approximately 8 p.m on Monday, February 11, gathered with community residents to call on the driver of the SUV or truck that ran him down to turn himself or herself in.
As of press time, a police source said that cops believe that they are looking for the driver of a red Jeep. There was no arrest or further update as of press time.
Parents Kim and Noel D’Amico attended a press conference on Friday, February 15 with Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Throggs Neck Merchants Association members, traffic safety advocates, friends and neighbors to ask anyone with information to contact the 45th Precinct.
Councilman Gjonaj offered a $10,000 reward leading to the arrest and apprehension of the responsible individual.
“This community doesn’t tolerate leaving the scene of a crime,” said Gjonaj, before announcing the reward.
He added: “I call on the driver of that vehicle and anyone in the vehicle to turn himself in before it gets worse.”
Gjonaj said he felt Jared’s parents anguish.
“This is a parent’s worst nightmare and a community’s worst nightmare that someone is run over and left for dead (and the driver shows) no remorse,” said Gjonaj.
The incident along with a death of an elderly woman on Christmas Eve 2018 in the vicinity of Miles and East Tremont Avenue have renewed calls from the Throggs Neck Merchants Association and transportation activist Kevin Daloia to look at ways to improve safety near the intersection, which is close to where D’Amico was run over while walking home.
Noel D’Amico said that his son was in the hospital and still unresponsive.
“I didn’t realize how bad the problem was until it happened to us. I don’t want other people to find out the same way,” said Noel. “If you are the one who did this, turn yourself in and do the right thing. Or if anyone who is out there and knows anything, please contact the 45th Precinct with any information.”
He said the outpouring of support, thoughts and prayers he received amazed him.
“I am at a loss for words,” said Kim D’Amico. “I thank you for your prayers. I just want Jared to wake up and whoever it is who did this (to turn himself in).”
Bob Jaen, TNMA president, said that after two incidents in the same area something has to be done.
Daloia started a chang
The petition calls for a review of the intersections by NYC Department of Transportation for corrective safety measures, a follow up review by Community Board 10, the installation of the new street lamps that the TNMA has advocated for.
