Arrest Made in Fatal East Patchogue Hit-and-Run

A 27-year-old Bellport man has been arrested and charged in the hit-and-run death of Warren Karstendick in East Patchogue on Sunday, police said. 

Ruddy Velasquez Morales faces a felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Morales was arrested on Wednesday thanks in part to tips from the community and from evidence obtained from red light cameras in the area, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Tim Sini said on LI News Radio Thursday morning.

According to police, Karstendick, 64, was walking on the eastbound shoulder of Main Street, just west of Phyllis Drive, when he was struck by a vehicle at about 6:55 a.m. Sunday.

Police released surveillance footage on Tuesday from a nearby business that clearly showed the fleeing SUV on Main Street with damage to its hood.

Morales will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Thursday.