Suffolk County Police arrested a driver for fleeing the scene of a crash that killed Hagerman Volunteer Firefighter Christopher Hlavaty.
Following an investigation by Major Case Unit detectives, police arrested 36-year-old Maria Guallpa-Bonilla for hitting and killing Hlavaty, while driving a 2001 Mercury Cougar at the intersection of Rider Avenue and Main Street.
Guallpa-Bonilla, of 47 Carver Blvd., Bellport, was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Incident Involving a Fatality.
Following the news of the fatal Hit-and-Run that killed the beloved Hagerman Fire Department volunteer firefighter, expressions of sympathy, condolences, and support flowed in from the emergency responder community.
According to Police, 22-year-old Christopher Hlavaty was driving a 2008 Suzuki motorcycle northbound on Rider Avenue and was trying to make a left turn onto Main Street.
That is when law enforcement said the Mercury Cougar being driven by Guallpa-Bonilla was traveling westbound on Main Street, struck Hlavaty, then took off.
Social media was flooded with messages of sympathy for the young volunteer firefighter, who was recently named Rookie of the Year by his department.
“We are beyond devastated,” wrote Hlavaty’s mother, Janine Wheeler-Hlavaty.
Police said after the fatal collision, that vehicle driven by Guallpa-Bonilla took off and fled southbound on Rider Avenue. Hlavaty was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“On behalf of the New York State Association of Fire Chaplains, we extend our most sincere condolences to the Hagerman Fire Department Family, and to FF Chris's Family, on his passing.
May he Rest in Peace with our Supreme Chief up above and may his Memory be a Blessing,” said NYS Association of Fire Chaplains 1st Deputy Chief Chaplain Joe McCarthy.
“We’d like to extend our condolences to the Hagerman Fire Department on the passing of firefighter Chris Hlavaty. It is never easy losing one of your own, especially at such a young age. Our thoughts are with you all during this time,” stated South Country Ambulance. ·
Even though an arrest has been made, detectives are still asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the Major Case Unit at 631.852.6555 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.