Man involved in hit-and-run of police officer on Staten Island turns self in thanks to father

BAY TERRACE, Staten Island (WABC) -- A young man confided in his father that he was apparently involved in a hit-and-run accident that injured a police officer on Staten Island. That man's father told his son to "turn himself in, or get out of his house." Thankfully, this story has a happy ending.

"He came home, he was upset, he was shaken," said Peter Manolio, Sr.

Peter Manolio, Jr. learned one key life lesson from his dad: own up to your mistakes.

The 23-year-old went straight home after leaving the scene of an accident. He marched right up to his 74-year-old dad and admitted what he did.

"I was panicked because I've never been in any trouble before. So I ran home because I was so shaken up," Peter Jr. said.

Police say the 23-year-old was turning onto Hylan Boulevard from Buffalo Street in Bay Terrace Wednesday night when he accidentally hit an off-duty officer who was trying to cross the street.

"I said the best thing you can do is go to the precinct and turn yourself in. Less than an hour from when it happened," Peter Sr. said.

The Manolios say officers at the 122nd precinct were very understanding.

Manolio Jr. is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and failing to yield to a pedestrian.

He's thankful the officer he hit with his car was not seriously hurt.

Father and son tell me their already close relationship is even stronger after this experience.

"I can tell my dad anything. Anytime I'm in trouble my dad will help me out. He's just the best," Peter Jr. said.

"When things really get bad, he comes to me, and I appreciate that is because I told him anytime you have a problem come to me I'll help you out. He's my boy," Peter Sr. said.