Accused Hit-&-Run Driver Claims He Wasn't Driving
Man pleads not guilty in Atlantic City crash that killed a man in a motorized wheelchair
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2013 | Updated 12:03 PM EDT
NBC10Philadelphia.com
The accident happened back on July 9 at Route 30 and Pennsylvania Avenue in Atlantic City around 9:30 p.m.
A driver who allegedly struck and killed a man in a motorized wheelchair in Atlantic City last summer has pleaded not guilty to a charge of leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Leo Strazzeri of Galloway Township owns the car that allegedly struck 45-year-old Daniel Tavarez. But his lawyer says the 42-year-old Strazzeri was not driving the car when the accident occurred July 9.
Atlantic County prosecutors say Strazzeri drove off after hitting Tavarez, who was on his way to buy milk when he was hit while in the crosswalk at Route 30 and Pennsylvania Avenue. Tavarez was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
Police later found Strazzeri's vehicle unoccupied in Atlantic City.
If convicted, Strazzeri faces up to 10 years in prison.
