Maria Guallpa-Bonilla, 36, of Bellport, has been indicted for leaving the scene of a crash on June 10th that resulted in the death of Christopher Hlavaty, 22, a volunteer firefighter from East Patchogue. The indictment, announced by Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, follows an investigation into the incident where Guallpa-Bonilla allegedly struck and killed Hlavaty with her vehicle and then fled the scene.
On the evening of June 10, at approximately 10:47 p.m., Guallpa-Bonilla reportedly left her job in Patchogue and began driving home in her blue 2001 Mercury Cougar. Despite holding only a New York State driving permit that required her to be accompanied by a licensed driver, she drove alone. As she made a left turn onto Rider Avenue, she allegedly collided with Hlavaty, who was riding his 2008 Suzuki motorcycle. According to authorities, after striking and running over Hlavaty, Guallpa-Bonilla did not stop to render aid or report the collision.
The crash left Hlavaty critically injured, and he succumbed to his injuries later that night. Law enforcement officials discovered car parts at the scene, which were traced back to a 2001 Mercury Cougar. Two days later, police found the vehicle covered by a tarp in Guallpa-Bonilla’s driveway, with damage consistent with the parts recovered at the scene.
As reported by LITrueCrime.com, the incident deeply affected the local community, particularly the Hagerman Fire Department, where Hlavaty was a dedicated volunteer. DA Tierney emphasized the callous nature of Guallpa-Bonilla’s alleged actions.
“Christopher Hlavaty was loved by his community and dedicated his time to helping others as a volunteer firefighter,” he said in a statement. “We will seek justice for Mr. Hlavaty and his loved ones.”
On July 18th, Guallpa-Bonilla was arraigned on charges of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, a Class D felony, and Driving in Violation of Restrictions on her Permit, a traffic infraction. Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei set her bail at $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or a $2.5 million partially secured bond. Additionally, her driving privileges in New York State were suspended, and she was ordered to surrender her passport.
Guallpa-Bonilla pled not guilty, according to court records.
If convicted of the top count, Guallpa-Bonilla faces up to seven years in prison. She is scheduled to return to court on August 15th.
Photo: Intersection where the accident took place. Google Maps.
