East Farmingdale Man Charged With Fatal Hit-and-Run on Southern State

An East Farmingdale man was arrested on Sunday for fatally striking a pedestrian who crashed a stolen box truck on the Southern State Parkway on Thursday after authorities identified his vehicle from evidence left behind at the scene of the crash, police said.

According to authorities, Wilkens Thelusma, 37, was driving a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe on the Southern State Parkway in Hempstead when he struck and killed Rick Munoz, 27, of Oyster Bay, at 1:47 a.m.

Munoz and another man stole a box truck from New York City and then crashed it into the center guide rail on the Southern State, police said. Munoz was struck by several cars after he exited the truck and walked into the roadway.

Authorities identified Thelusma as the driver responsible for the fatal accident due to the crash debris that were left behind at the scene, police said.

Thelusma was charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting. He was arraigned Sunday at First District Court in Hempstead.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash of has information about the incident is encouraged to contact the New York State Police at 631-756-3300.

Image via NYS Police