Disgraceful Behavior -Drove Away After Hitting a 66-Year Old Woman who Was Hospitalized
By Dan Murphy
The news that former Westchester County Deputy County Executive Neil DeLuca was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident after striking a 66-year old woman was disturbing.
The incident occurred in the Town of Mount Pleasant on October 21, where DeLuca is accused of hiting the woman at 7:45 pm on Bradhurst Avenue. Another motorist witnessed the accident and called the police.
An investigation by Mount Pleasant police found a piece of the car that struck the woman. Further investigation identified the vehicle involved and DeLuca was found to be an owner of the vehicle. Police interviewed DeLuca and he was placed under arrest.
DeLuca was arraigned in Mount Pleasant Town Court on October 22 and charged with a felony charge of leaving the scene of a serious injury motor vehicle accident and with unlicensed operation.
The woman was taken to Westchester Medical Center with serious injuries. “As chief of the department, I could not be more proud of all involved personnel to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion culminating in the arrest of this offender,” said Mount Pleasant Police Chief Paul Oliva. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim.”
Prior to serving as Deputy County Executive under County Executive Andrew O’Rourke from 1991-1996, DeLuca, 74, served as Yonkers City Manager from 1988 to 199. He is President of the DeLuca Group, a real estate development consulting firm.
Mt. Pleasant Judge Mark Rubeo also issued an order of protection preventing DeLuca with having any contact with the victim or witness.
This incident is disturbing because DeLuca is a retired public servant with a generous pension. Due to the injuries sustained by the victim, it is clear that DeLuca knew that an accident had happened but decided to flee.
Police didn’t get to interview DeLuca for 24 hours, preventing DeLuca from being examined for intoxication. He was also charged with driving without a license.
Most retired election officials obey the laws of their community. DeLuca had no regard for the woman he seriously injured. Shame on you-Neil DeLuca.
