Police make arrest in hit-and-run that injured rabbi in front of Long Island synagogue

WEST HEMPSTEAD, Long Island (WABC) -- Police have made an arrest in a hit-and-run that injured a 70-year-old rabbi in front of his Long Island synagogue last December.

46-year-old Benitez Rodolfo of Far Rockaway, Queens was arrested Friday, authorities say.

He is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with physical evidence.

The victim, Rabbi Jordan Kelemer, was hit outside Young Israel of West Hempstead on Dec. 12.

Police say a white Dodge Ram pick-up truck was traveling south on Hempstead Avenue when it struck Kelemer, who was crossing from west to east in front of the synagogue.

The vehicle, possibly an early 2000 model with driver-side front-end damage, did not stop. The victim was found by a passerby.

He was taken to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.