Suffolk County, NY – A West Babylon man has been indicted on manslaughter and multiple other charges after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian in Wyandanch while fleeing from police, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Thursday.
Jason Jean-Joseph, 24, was arraigned on charges stemming from the June 13 crash that claimed the life of 29-year-old Hillel Fuld. Prosecutors said Jean-Joseph was driving a 2018 BMW 5 Series sedan when a Suffolk County police officer attempted a traffic stop around 7:30 p.m.
Instead of pulling over, Jean-Joseph — whose license was allegedly suspended — accelerated away, turning onto Wyandanch Avenue and hitting Fuld, who was walking eastbound. Fuld was later pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Investigators said Jean-Joseph fled the scene without rendering aid, later abandoning his car in Babylon and discarding a loaded 9mm pistol with a high-capacity magazine in nearby woods.
He was arrested on August 29 after a Major Case Unit investigation. On Thursday, Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis ordered him held on $500,000 cash bail, $2.5 million bond, or $5 million partially secured bond, and suspended his driving privileges.
Jean-Joseph faces charges including manslaughter in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon, leaving the scene of a fatal crash, unlawful fleeing, tampering with evidence, and reckless driving. If convicted on the top count, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
“This victim’s life was tragically cut short because of the defendant’s alleged reckless and brazen behavior,” DA Tierney said. “Pedestrians in Suffolk County deserve to feel safe when walking our streets.”
Jean-Joseph is due back in court on September 24.
Key Points
- Jason Jean-Joseph, 24, is charged with manslaughter after a June 13 crash killed a Wyandanch pedestrian.
- Prosecutors say he fled a police stop, struck the victim, abandoned his car, and discarded a loaded pistol.
- He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
A deadly chase now leaves one man facing justice and a community grieving a senseless loss.
