Queens man arrested for leaving scene of fatal whitestone expressway crash

QUEENS, N.Y. — A 63-year-old Queens man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash on the Whitestone Expressway last year, the NYPD announced Tuesday.

James Vennitti, of 207-23 Darren Drive, was taken into custody at 11:57 a.m. and charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting. His arrest follows an ongoing investigation by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad.

The crash occurred on February 10, 2024, at approximately 6:15 a.m. near Linden Place. Investigators determined that a 2012 Scion iQ and a 2024 Toyota RAV4 had collided in the center lanes of the expressway. The drivers of both vehicles, along with a 27-year-old passenger from the Toyota, had exited their vehicles and were standing behind the Toyota when a northbound 2014 Mercedes-Benz SUV struck the Scion, the Toyota, and two of the individuals.

The driver of the Mercedes-Benz fled the scene, leaving the vehicle disabled on the expressway. EMS pronounced 43-year-old David Berney of Queens dead at the scene. The 27-year-old victim was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital in stable condition.

Authorities have not indicated if Vennitti was the driver of the Mercedes-Benz or his specific role in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.

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