Off-duty FDNY firefighter charged in deadly hit-and-run crash in Westchester County

Monday, December 31, 2018
BUCHANAN, New York (WABC) -- An off-duty New York City firefighter has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run accident that killed a military veteran in Westchester County.

The incident happened shortly after 12 a.m. Saturday on Albany Post Road in Buchanan.
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Police say 44-year-old Eric Werner, of Buchanan, struck 63-year-old Joseph Orichello, also of Buchanan, just north of Bleakley Avenue.

Werner then allegedly fled the scene in a 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

Orichello was found lying in the road less than an hour later and pronounced dead.

Investigators arrested Werner at his home Sunday evening.
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The striking vehicle was recovered at a separate location.



Werner was arraigned Monday afternoon.

He has been charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Death, a felony.

Bail was set at $25,000. Werner was expected to make bail.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8 in Buchanan.

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