Family seeks answers following teen’s death in collision during police chase.

In a tragic incident that has raised numerous questions about police protocols, a 15-year-old boy, identified as Antonio “Anthony” Benitez, was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver in Long Island. The events unfolded following a report of a knifepoint robbery involving a group of teenagers attempting to steal a bicycle from a 14-year-old boy outside a pharmacy on Hillside Avenue in Floral Park, Queens, on a recent Saturday evening.

According to police sources, officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to the robbery call around 8 p.m. Although no bike was ultimately stolen, officers began a pursuit after spotting Benitez fleeing on an electric bike. The chase extended for over one mile, during which Benitez crossed into Nassau County. Tragically, he was struck by an unlicensed Lexus vehicle at the intersection of Lakeville Road and Bryant Avenue in New Hyde Park.

In the wake of the incident, the NYPD officers involved in the pursuit remain on full duty. Reports indicate that they have not faced any disciplinary measures as of yet. The police department has stated that the officers were radioing for assistance during the chase, and an internal source claimed they were positioned “a bit behind” Benitez at the time of the collision.

Efforts to provide life-saving measures were initiated by the responding officers, but unfortunately, Benitez was declared dead at the scene. The situation has sparked a response from the community and family members, with calls for justice and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death. Benitez’s mother has expressed her desire for an accurate account of the events that transpired, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.

While a knife was reportedly found on Benitez, it remains unclear whether he participated in the robbery that instigated the police pursuit. As investigations continue, the Nassau County Police Department is collaborating with the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division to uncover the full details of the incident.

In a show of community support, a GoFundMe campaign established for Benitez’s family has raised over ,000 in less than a day, highlighting the profound impact this tragic event has had on the local community. The investigation into this matter continues, as authorities seek to understand the complexities involved in this unfortunate sequence of events.