Cops cuffed a 25-year-old Flatbush man who allegedly hit two Flatlands residents with an unlicensed livery vehicle — killing one — near Kings Plaza in August.
Police picked up the alleged perp for an unrelated traffic violation on Troy Avenue near Rutland Road at 7:50 am on Feb. 8. They took him into custody and charged him for driving without a license and an equipment violation, but when detectives questioned him, he ’fessed up to hitting the couple back in August and then fleeing the scene, officials said.
Victim Angel Sagardia was traversing Flatbush Avenue towards Kings Plaza with his wife Samantha on Aug. 12 when the suspect allegedly struck them both with a van and then took off, according to police. The victims were not in the crosswalk, officials said.
Both were taken to Kings County Hospital — 47-year-old Angel succumbed to his injuries and 50-year-old Samantha was in the hospital for about one month with brain trauma, officials said.
The suspect told cops he fled because he was driving his father’s car without permission, authorities said.
Prosecutors charged the suspect with leaving the scene of an accident which resulted in serious physical injuries or death, according to the District Attorney’s office.
The suspect has copped to driving without a license at least three times, according to the District Attorney’s office.
Lawmakers are trying to crack down on commuter vans that illegally operate without a license from the Taxi and Limousine Commission, which ensures they are insured and have a safe record. A new proposal would allow officials to seize and auction off vans whose drivers are busted twice for illegal operation.
