Nine months after Ritawantee Persaud, a New York-based Guyanese woman was killed in a hit-and-run accident, a suspect has been arrested.
According to a statement by the New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, the person suspected of being involved in the accident that claimed the life of Persaud, also known as ‘Aunty Rita,’ of Ozone Park, Queens, New York, was apprehended yesterday afternoon. In the statement, Rajkumar said that the arrest brings the family of Persaud, and the entire Guyanese-American community, one step closer to justice for the victim.
A previous report of the incident had stated that on the night of December 24, 2020, Persaud was killed after the driver of an SUV crashed into the Uber taxi in which she was travelling on Rockaway Boulevard, in Queens, New York. She suffered injuries about her body, including to her head, and was taken to the Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she succumbed. The 50-year-old Uber driver was also injured. He sustained injuries to his head and legs and was treated at the same hospital.
According to a New York Daily News report, the driver of the Lamborghini SUV fled the scene on foot. The report had further informed that the police found marijuana in his car. A 26-year-old passenger of his car was also injured. She was taken to the hospital by the police.
The report explained that Persaud, who was on her way to visit her family members, was seated in the back seat of the Uber; a black 2018 Toyota Camry when tragedy struck. As a result of the impact, the Lamborghini overturned.
Rajkumar in her statement, thanked the 102nd Precinct and its commanding Officer Antonio Fidacaro, as well as the NYPD Highway District for their tireless work that made the arrest possible. She further said that she hopes the arrest will bring solace to Persaud’s family, her friends and all the lives she touched.
Persaud moved to the United States about two decades ago and worked as an accountant. She was described as a devoted member of the Shaanti Bhavan Mandir, who enjoyed singing. She was also a beloved leader in the Guyanese Hindu community.
