Deadly Christmas in Bay Shore with Fatal Hit-And-Run

Christmas evening turned brutal for a man who was killed in a hit-and-run in Bay Shore, and police are seeking information to identify the driver.

Around 5 p.m. Dec. 25, Emmanuel DeJesus Cruz Zavala was crossing Candlewood Road, near the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, when he was struck by a sedan that fled the scene, according to a Suffolk County Police news release.

Three good Samaritans stopped to help the victim, according to the release. One man stepped into the roadway, placed Cruz Zavala over his shoulder and moved his body out of harm’s way, one woman provided him with medical care, and a third person stopped and attempted to follow the suspect.

Cruz Zavala, 33, of Bay Shore, was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, where he was pronounced dead, the release states.

The vehicle is described as a compact or mid-sized gray or charcoal gray four-door sedan with a sunroof, the release states. Detectives believe there is damage to the passenger side fender or front area of the vehicle. The suspect fled southeast on Candlewood Road, towards Commack Road in Bay Shore, according to the release.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

[Photo courtesy of Suffolk County Police Department]