SENTENCING IN PORT CHESTER HIT AND RUN DEATH   

Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced that Vicente Lopez-Duarte (DOB 08/01/75) of 207 William Street, Port Chester, New York was sentenced today, to one year on County Jail and permanent revocation of his New York State driving privileges, on his guilty plea to one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, a class “D” Felony, one count of Reckless Driving, a class “A” Misdemeanor, and various New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. 

On February 19, 2007, at approximately 3:33 p.m., the defendant was operating his vehicle southbound on North Main Street at the intersection of Westchester Avenue in Port Chester.

As the light turned green, the defendant struck the victim with his vehicle as she walked in the crosswalk of Westchester Avenue. The victim landed on the hood and was flipped over the top of the vehicle.

A witness observed the defendant drive up the street about 20 feet, stop for approximately 30 seconds and then drive off.  The defendant drove his vehicle across the double yellow line in and out of the oncoming lanes of traffic as he proceeded home. In addition the defendant did not possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle.

The witness followed the defendant to his home where the Port Chester Police, alerted to the incident, placed the defendant under arrest.

The victim died two days later on February 21, 2007.

Assistant District Attorney John Thomas, of the Superior Court Trial Division, prosecuted the case.