Patchogue Man Arrested for Leaving Scene of Deadly Crash Resulting in Nicholas Puzio’s Death

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Jesus Matute Patchogue hit and run
2. Nicholas Puzio Farmingville death case

A Patchogue man was arrested on Thursday on charges of leaving the scene of a deadly crash more than one year ago — the second driver to be arrested in the hit-and-run, Suffolk County police said. Jesus Matute, 73, of Rose Avenue, was arrested at the Fifth Precinct in Patchogue and charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead on Thursday. Following an investigation by major case unit detectives, Matute was identified as the driver of a 2005 Nissan SUV — the second vehicle that fled the scene after striking a pedestrian on Medford Avenue in Patchogue on March 12, 2023. Suffolk County detectives previously arrested Elian Jurado-Zavala, of Bay Shore, who authorities said was driving a white 2014 Honda Civic that struck Nicholas Puzio, 25, of Farmingville, at 4 a.m. as he was crossing Medford Avenue at Oak Street. Puzio, who later died from his injuries, was struck by the second vehicle driven by Matute one minute later, police said. Jurado-Zavala, 19, of Les Street, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on July 5. His next court date is Friday.

The Arrest of Patchogue Man in Hit-and-Run Case

A Patchogue man, Jesus Matute, was arrested on Thursday on charges of leaving the scene of a deadly crash that occurred more than one year ago. This incident took place on Medford Avenue in Patchogue, Suffolk County. Matute, 73, of Rose Avenue, was taken into custody by Suffolk County police and charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality.

Details of the Incident

The tragic hit-and-run incident occurred on March 12, 2023, when Nicholas Puzio, 25, of Farmingville, was struck by two separate vehicles while crossing Medford Avenue at Oak Street. The first vehicle, a white 2014 Honda Civic driven by Elian Jurado-Zavala of Bay Shore, fled the scene after hitting Puzio at 4 a.m. Puzio tragically succumbed to his injuries.

One minute later, the second vehicle, a 2005 Nissan SUV driven by Matute, also struck Puzio and left the scene. Puzio’s death was a devastating blow to his family and the community.

Investigation and Arrest

Following an intensive investigation by major case unit detectives, Matute was identified as the driver of the second vehicle involved in the hit-and-run. His arrest brings some closure to the case and justice for the victim, Nicholas Puzio.

Matute is set to be arraigned at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead on Thursday. This arrest marks a significant step forward in holding those responsible for such heinous crimes accountable.

Previous Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Prior to Matute’s arrest, Elian Jurado-Zavala was apprehended and charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a fatality. Jurado-Zavala, 19, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on July 5 and is awaiting his next court date on Friday.

The arrests of both drivers in connection with this tragic hit-and-run serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining at the scene of an accident and taking responsibility for one’s actions. The community mourns the loss of Nicholas Puzio and seeks justice for his untimely death.

In conclusion, the arrest of Jesus Matute in the hit-and-run case involving the death of Nicholas Puzio brings some closure to a tragic chapter in Patchogue’s history. Let us hope that justice is served and that the memory of Puzio lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.