Police arrest man in connection with truck hit-and-run on Long Island

HOLBROOK, N.Y. (WABC) -- Suffolk County Police have arrested a Ronkonkoma man in a hit-and-run crash that critically injured a bicyclist in Holbrook.

Bradley Samuel, 43, of East Patchogue, was riding his bike east on Veterans Memorial Highway around 9 p.m. Oct. 6 when he was hit. The driver, who also was driving east, fled the scene.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department, John Farina, 50, was charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting involving serious physical injury. Farina was scheduled for arraignment Friday in Central Islip.

The suspect was driving a 2012 or newer Hino Series 200 or Series 300 box truck. The passenger side-view mirror glass was recovered at the scene, but the mounting bracket and mirror may still be on the truck.

Samuel was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma with head injuries.

Samuel is the father of eight children. "He's a great guy, he's given his life really to support us and take care of his kids. He doesn't really ask for anything for himself," his wife, Aia Samuel, said.

Samuel is a graphic designer and was returning home from work when he was struck. "It's hard not having him around," said Aia earlier this month.

"Because of his general healthy condition we were able to remove the breathing tube and he's now responding to us and breathing on his own which is very, very gratifying," said Dr. Marc Shapiro of Stony Brook University Hospital.

Aia Samuel is now left caring for her children, homeschooling five of them and figuring out how to support them all financially.

Her husband is the sole breadwinner of the house. "He's a hard worker and I love him," said Aia Samuel.

"I just want to thank everyone who's been so great in helping us. God is good and we're just trusting that he's going to heal him," she said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call (631) 852-6555 or 1-800-220-TIPS.