Oyster Bay bar owner indicted in drunken hit-and-run that left pedestrian fighting for life
Mineola, NY – The owner of a popular Oyster Bay bar has been indicted on a long list of felony charges stemming from a drunken hit-and-run crash that prosecutors say nearly killed a pedestrian and ended with the suspect fleeing to his Syosset home.
Nassau County prosecutors announced that Leonard Gross, 67, of Syosset, was arraigned Thursday on a grand jury indictment charging him with multiple counts of vehicular assault, leaving the scene of a serious injury crash, driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and other related offenses tied to a May crash in Oyster Bay.
According to the indictment, the incident unfolded around 9:09 p.m. on May 17, when Gross allegedly left Teddy’s Bully Bar, a business he owns, after consuming multiple alcoholic drinks. Prosecutors allege Gross was driving his 2025 Dodge Ram pickup truck southbound on South Street with a driver’s license that had been revoked for nearly a decade.
Investigators say Gross turned left onto East Main Street and struck a pedestrian who was legally crossing in the crosswalk. The victim was knocked to the ground and underneath the truck, where Gross allegedly ran over the victim before speeding away eastbound.
The injured pedestrian was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center with multiple broken ribs, chest and lung injuries, and facial lacerations. The victim remained intubated for nearly five days as doctors worked to stabilize him.
Authorities say Gross drove directly to his home in Syosset and parked the damaged pickup truck in his driveway. Surveillance cameras and license plate readers tracked the vehicle, leading police to the residence around 11:30 p.m. Blood believed to belong to the victim was observed beneath the truck, according to prosecutors.
Additional surveillance video obtained from inside Teddy’s Bully Bar allegedly showed Gross consuming multiple alcoholic beverages prior to getting behind the wheel.
Gross surrendered to the Nassau County Police Department Second Squad on January 8. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Bail was set at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or a $1.5 million partially secured bond. His driver’s license was suspended, and he is scheduled to return to court on February 23. If convicted on the top counts, Gross faces up to 11 years in prison.
Prosecutors allege Gross has a history of drunk driving and should not have been on the road at the time of the crash. The case is being handled by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
The indictment remains an accusation, and Gross is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Oyster Bay bar owner Leonard Gross was indicted in a May drunken hit-and-run crash
- Prosecutors say a pedestrian was run over and left critically injured
- Gross faces multiple felony charges and up to 11 years in prison
