Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment of Manuel Gomez, 46, of Brentwood, for allegedly leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of Andres Eloy Khammach La Cruz, 31, also of Brentwood. Gomez faces charges including Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting and operating a motor vehicle while his driving privileges were suspended.

“The individual charged allegedly was operating a vehicle while their New York State driving privileges were suspended. A 31-year-old motorcyclist lost his life in this tragic event, and we intend to seek justice for him and his loved ones,” said District Attorney Tierney. “As this is an ongoing investigation, we are limited in the details we can provide at this time.”

The incident occurred on July 29, 2024, at approximately 7:22 p.m. Gomez was reportedly driving a 2008 Ford Explorer southbound on Wicks Road in Brentwood with two passengers inside. As he attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Bradley Street, a northbound motorcycle operated by La Cruz collided with the rear of the Ford Explorer. Following the collision, Gomez and his passengers allegedly exited the vehicle and left the scene on foot without checking on La Cruz's well-being. La Cruz was later pronounced dead at South Shore University Hospital.

On September 3, 2024, Gomez was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins on charges including Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting (a Class D felony) and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (an unclassified misdemeanor). Justice Collins set bail at $80,000 cash or $160,000 bond or $800,000 partially secured bond. Gomez's next court date is scheduled for September 20, 2024.

Gomez is represented by Stephen LaMagna Esq., while Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Rosenheck from the Vehicular Crime Bureau is prosecuting the case with investigative assistance from Detective Valentin Rosado of Suffolk County Police Department’s Major Case Unit.