Suffolk Police Checkpoint Focuses On Hit-And-Run That Killed 'Hero' Teen In Coram

CORAM, NY — Tyler Phillips' case will be allowed another chance to be resolved.

The teenager died after he and his sister, Krystal Randolph, were struck in a hit-and-run crash on Granny Road in Coram on Oct. 12. Randolph, whom her mother has said was pushed out of the way by Phillips, suffered minor injuries, but, sadly, her sibling died, days later.

Police have been searching for the driver of the car that hit the pair ever since, but to no avail.

Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison is expected to join Major Case Unit detectives at a news conference on Wednesday at noon to announce a checkpoint seeking information on the driver who struck the teens, according to a news release issued late Tuesday.

During the checkpoint, flyers with information about the crash that eventually claimed Phillips' life will be distributed with "a goal to encourage anyone who has information about the crash to come forward and speak with detectives," police said.

Police said a vehicle traveling westbound on Granny Road in Coram struck Phillips and Randolph as they walked in a bike lane around 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 12.

Investigators believe the vehicle that sped away from the deadly wreck was a dark-colored 2005 to 2009 Chevrolet Equinox. Its front passenger headlight was damaged, said police. A passenger bumper was also damaged and the side view front passenger mirror was broken.

In a Facebook post, Phillips' mother described him as a "hero" who pushed his sister out of the path of the oncoming car.

"My baby boy is a hero ... lots of love," she wrote. "I miss him. There's no words that can describe on how I feel."

Phillips had celebrated his birthday a day before the crash.

Crime Stoppers is offering a fast cash reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. The reward will be issued within seven days of an arrest, police said.