Middle Island, NY - January 30, 2014 - Suffolk County Police today arrested a man for falsely reporting that he was involved in a hit and run crash.
James Matthias walked out of the OTB parking lot, located at 1929 Middle Country Road, Centereach, on December 31, 2013 at approximately 1:30 p.m. and intentionally walked into the back of a vehicle that was slowly backing up and he fell to the ground. The driver of the vehicle stopped and got out of his vehicle to check on Matthias.
Matthias asked the driver how they could settle the matter without calling an ambulance and the driver gave Matthias cash and both men left the parking lot.
Matthias later called 911 to report that he was involved in a hit and run crash and that he was injured. An investigation by Sixth Precinct Crime Section Officers revealed that Matthias’ claims were false. Officer David Murray arrested Matthias at his home at 37 Artist Lake Drive, Middle Island at 3:45 p.m. today.
Matthias, 50, was charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident 3rd Degree and Making a False Written Statement. He is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on January 31.