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On Wednesday, Aug. 16, the Suffolk County District Attorney announced Raynard Williams’ arraignment for the Monday, July 31 Central Islip crash that killed 68-year-old Paul Benjamin.
Original story: Fatal Hit-Run Update: Suspect Nabbed In Crash That Killed 68-Year-Old In Central Islip
Paul Benjamin was walking across Carleton Avenue at the Elmore Street intersection at approximately 8:30 p.m. on that day when he was struck by a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe.
The Santa Fe, allegedly driven by Williams, age 47, continued to drive southbound on Carleton Avenue.
Benjamin was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to the DA’s Office, video surveillance from a nearby 7-Eleven showed Williams pull into the 7-Eleven shortly after hitting Benajmin.
He allegedly got out of the car, looked back down the road where the victim had been hit, then got back into his car and drove away.
Police were able to use video surveillance to obtain the Hyundai’s license plate information, and two days after the crash found the car outside of Williams’ home.
He was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 3.
“This defendant allegedly fled the scene after knowingly striking Paul Benjamin, leaving him to die in the street. Those alleged actions are inexcusable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
Williams is charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, a felony.
He is due in court again on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
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