Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced today that Manuel Gomez, 46, of Brentwood, has been indicted for Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting and other related charges. Gomez is accused of operating a motor vehicle while his driving privileges in New York State were suspended and subsequently leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of Andres Eloy Khammach La Cruz, 31, also from Brentwood.
"The individual charged allegedly was operating a vehicle while their New York State driving privileges were suspended. A 31-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in this tragic event, and we intend to seek justice for him and his loved ones," said District Attorney Tierney. "As this is an ongoing investigation, we are limited in the details we can provide at this time."
The investigation revealed that on July 29, 2024, at approximately 7:22 p.m., Gomez was allegedly driving a 2008 Ford Explorer southbound on Wicks Road in Brentwood with two passengers inside. As Gomez attempted to make a left-hand turn from Wicks Road onto Bradley Street, a northbound motorcycle operated by La Cruz collided with the rear of the Ford Explorer. Following the collision, Gomez reportedly pulled over and he and his passengers exited the vehicle. All three individuals allegedly left the crash location on foot before police arrived and without checking on La Cruz's well-being. La Cruz was later pronounced dead at South Shore University Hospital.
At the time of the crash, Gomez’s privilege to drive in New York was suspended.
On September 3, 2024, Gomez was arraigned on the indictment before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins for the following charges:
- Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, an Unclassified misdemeanor
Justice Collins ordered Gomez held on $80,000 cash bail or $160,000 bond or $800,000 partially secured bond. His next court date is set for September 20, 2024. Stephen LaMagna Esq., represents Gomez.
Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Rosenheck of the Vehicular Crime Bureau is prosecuting this case with investigative assistance from Detective Valentin Rosado of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.