Commack, NY - November 9, 2018 - Suffolk County Police arrested a man after he fled a motor vehicle crash on the Long Island Expressway in Commack on Thursday, November 8.
A man was driving a Toyota Sienna east on the LIE when he rear-ended a Chevrolet SUV near exit 52 at approximately 5:30 p.m. The man fled the scene. A third driver, not involved in the crash, followed the Toyota and called police, providing the license plate number of the vehicle.
After an investigation, Highway Patrol Officer Rob Ketelas determined the driver of the Toyota was Richard Mouzakes. Officer Ketelas notified Sixth Precinct officers Shane Parker and Chris Sarli that Mouzakes was in the Selden area. The officers located Mouzakes and the vehicle behind Taco Express, located at 1236 Middle Country Road, Selden. Mouzakes was attempting to repair the damage on his vehicle. The investigation also revealed that Mouzakes’ license had previously been suspended 22 times.
Mouzakes, 54, of Selden, was charged with Leaving the Scene of Motor Vehicle Accident and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2nd Degree. He was also issued several traffic citations for violations related to the crash.
Mouzakes was released on bail and will be arraigned at a later date.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.