A tragic hit-and-run incident in Brooklyn resulted in the death of a beloved grandfather, Segundo Reina-Gaon. The perpetrator, 24-year-old Brian Macoto-Morales, was arrested after turning himself in at the 83rd Precinct. The incident occurred on September 11th when Macoto-Morales allegedly struck Reina-Gaon with his white SUV as the elderly man crossed a Bay Ridge street. Surveillance footage captured the horrifying moment when Reina-Gaon was thrown into the air and onto the pavement.
Despite being rushed to NYU Langone Hospital/Brooklyn, Reina-Gaon could not be saved, leaving behind a devastated family. Described as a loving father and spouse, he was remembered by his community as a kind neighbor who always had a smile on his face. A GoFundMe page was set up to support his family in the wake of this tragic loss.
Following the incident, Senator Andrew Gounardes called for justice, stating that the driver needed to be apprehended and prosecuted. Macoto-Morales was charged with several offenses, including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and reckless endangerment. Despite having no prior arrests, he was arraigned in Brooklyn Supreme Criminal Court and held on $75,000 bail.
The heartbreaking loss of Segundo Reina-Gaon has left a void in the community, with many mourning the loss of a kind and loving grandfather. The next court date for Brian Macoto-Morales is scheduled for January 7th, where he will face the consequences of his actions in this tragic hit-and-run incident.
