Bronx Man Arrested In Fatal I-87 Hit And Run Crash

YONKERS, NY — State police have tracked down the driver wanted in connection with a deadly hit and run accident in Yonkers.

Troopers announced today they have taken Cesar L. Zapata Ramirez of the Bronx into custody. The 28-year-old was arrested on Tuesday on felony charges of leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision.

The deadly wreck happened shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday on I-87 southbound, near mile marker 2.2 in Yonkers.

Traffic investigators said Michael Pereira from the Bronx was riding a 2018 Honda motorcycle in the center lane behind another vehicle, described as a black SUV. The SUV slowed down for an unknown reason and the motorcycle changed to the right lane and at that same time, the SUV also changed lanes to the right lane and slowed abruptly in order to take the Exit 4 off-ramp. The 30-year-old motorcyclist was not able to avoid a collision and hit the back of the SUV.

Pereira was ejected from the motorcycle. He was later pronounced dead at New York Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital.

Meanwhile, Ramirez, the driver of the SUV continued on to the exit for Midland Avenue, leaving the scene of the crash, police said.

State Police investigators, with the help of license plate readers from the Westchester County Real Time Crime Center, were able to identify and later arrest Ramirez. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Yonkers City Court on July 21.