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Arrest in hit-and-run that killed 12-year-old

Arrest in hit-and-run that killed 12-year-old
Photo by Steve Solomonson

The driver who mowed down a family in Flatlands on Wednesday afternoon, killing 12-year-old girl and leaving her mother and 9-year-old sister in critical condition, turned himself in just hours after authorities released his picture to the media, according to police.

Police say Robert Decarlo of Gravesend was driving a stolen Dodge Caravan on Flatlands Avenue towards Canarsie when he jumped the curb and struck the family between 46th Street and Schenectady Avenue at 4:42 pm July 2.

He then allegedly fled the scene of the crime on foot, leaving the wrecked van perched on a fire hydrant.

The three victims were rushed to Kings County Hospital Center, where 12-year-old Joey Sellers died during the night, and her mother and sister remain in critical condition.

Police identified Decarlo as the alleged driver the next day and released a photo of the 26-year-old suspect, asking the public to help track him down.

A few hours later, Decarlo walked into the 62nd Precinct station house in Bath Beach and surrendered.

“He turned himself in,” a police spokesman said.

Decarlo already has a long rap sheet — including assault, robbery, and criminal possession of stolen property — according to the District Attorney’s Office. Charges from the July 2 incident include manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, grand larceny, reckless endangerment, speeding, and running a red light.

Decarlo’s attorney has not returned a call for comment.

Reach reporter Vanessa Ogle at vogle@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4507. Follow her attwitter.com/oglevanessa.
Police are still looking for the suspect, who they say fled the scene on foot. He has brown eyes and short black hair and is about 5-foot-7.
Photo by Steve Solomonson