A deadly, early morning car accident uncovered a deeper mystery, according to Rockland County police. On August 3, around 1:00am, a Ramapo police officer was flagged down on Eckerson Road. The officer found a man pinned under a 2014 red Toyota Prius, in a parking lot. He appeared to be seriously injured, but was breathing, conscious and semi-responsive. A car jack provided by a bystander was used to lift the vehicle off the victim. He was treated at the scene and taken to Nyack Hospital, where he died.
Police say the driver of the 2014 Toyota Prius, a 32-year-old woman from Spring Valley, was working as a taxi driver. She remained at the scene, and is cooperating with the investigation. It was determined she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash, but she was arrested for second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation for driving with a suspended license and released with a future court date.
The taxicab had apparently just dropped off a fare when she struck the victim, identified as John Peralta, 45, of Spring Valley. He was rendered unconscious after being assaulted in a lot at 64 East Eckerson Rd, according to witnesses. It does not appear the taxicab driver was in any way involved in the possible assault.
Investigators identified the suspect in the assault as Jose Narciso Lopez-Ayesta, 43, also of Spring Valley. He was arrested and charged with third-degree assault.
Sources: Patch New York City, Daily Voice
