A tragic incident unfolded in the Bronx over two years ago when a car wash employee was struck and killed by a reckless driver. The driver, Trina Bryant, 32, was recently arrested in connection to the fatal hit-and-run that occurred on February 19, 2023, in Morrisania. Bryant was charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene of an accident.
The incident took place outside a car wash on Webster Avenue near East 168th Street. Bryant allegedly veered her 2011 Ford Escape into the path of a 2017 Toyota Rav4 that Felix Thomas Bontia, 47, was drying after a wash. Bontia, who had his back turned to oncoming traffic, was struck by Bryant’s vehicle and the Toyota. He became wedged between the vehicles before being thrown to the ground. Despite being rushed to Lincoln Medical Center, Bontia was pronounced dead.
The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital for treatment. The impact of the collision also caused the Toyota to strike a parked, unoccupied 2014 Nissan Altima. Bryant and her front passenger fled the scene on foot, abandoning the Ford Escape a block away.
Bryant was apprehended at her home by the NYPD’s Warrants Squad and pleaded not guilty during her arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court. She was ordered to be held on $250,000 cash bail or $750,000 bond. Bryant has a history of seven prior arrests, none of which were driving-related offenses. Her most recent arrest prior to this incident was for allegedly violating an order of protection in September of 2023.
The investigation into the tragic hit-and-run continues, with Bryant facing serious charges for her alleged role in the death of Felix Thomas Bontia. The victim’s family and loved ones are left to mourn his loss while seeking justice for the senseless tragedy that occurred that fateful day in Morrisania.
