A Babylon man has been indicted in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Freeport that left a 66-year-old pedestrian dead, Nassau County prosecutors said.
Michael Bonner, 40, was arraigned April 23, 2026, on charges of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death, tampering with physical evidence, and multiple traffic violations. He pleaded not guilty. Bail was continued at $500,000 cash, $1 million bond, and $1 million partially secured bond.
Prosecutors allege the crash happened around 8 p.m. on March 25, 2026, near the intersection of East Merrick Road and South Main Street. Authorities said Bonner was driving a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban when he struck Narcizo de Jesus Guerra Lopez, who was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk.
According to the indictment, Bonner continued driving eastbound after the collision and did not stop to report the incident.
Guerra Lopez was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery. He died from his injuries on April 3.
Investigators identified the suspect vehicle in part due to distinctive features, including a large red sticker on the rear windshield and white foam near the rear passenger-side tire. Authorities allege the sticker was removed sometime after the crash.
Surveillance video played a key role in the investigation. Detectives said footage captured Bonner in Oceanside shortly before the crash, walking to a vehicle matching the description. Additional video showed the same vehicle at a 7-Eleven on Sunrise Highway less than half a mile from the crash site about four minutes before the incident.
Cell phone data obtained by investigators also allegedly placed Bonner at the scene at the time of the crash.
Authorities said Bonner fled New York after the incident, traveling south to the Carolinas, where he was detected on March 28. He later returned to New York in early April.
On April 4, Bonner was located in Nassau County and stopped by Hempstead police officers. He was arrested shortly after by Nassau County detectives.
If convicted, Bonner faces a potential sentence of 3⅔ to 11 years in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office Vehicular Crimes Bureau. Authorities said multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, including Nassau County Police, Hempstead Police, Freeport Police, and Garden City Police.
Bonner is due back in court on May 20, 2026. The charges are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
