Crime & Safety

Old-Bethpage Man and his Dog Killed in Hit-and-Run

Cops: Massapequa driver returned to the scene and was arrested.

An Old Bethpage man walking his dog on Round Swamp Road was struck down and killed by a hit-and-run driver early Thursday, Nassau Police said.

A short time later, the driver returned to the scene and was arrested without incident, police said.

Robert Michaels, 42, of Old Bethpage, was walking his dog south along Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage when he was hit by a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The driver fled the scene without stopping, police said. The deadly incident took place about 12:30 a.m.

Michaels was transported to Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) where he was pronounced dead a half-hour later. His dog was found dead at the scene.

A short time later, the driver, Matthew Johnstone, 37, of North Massapequa, returned to the scene and was arrested without incident, police said.

Johnstone is charged with leaving the scene of an incident. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday at First District Court in Hempstead.

Did you know Robert Michaels? Can you tell us more about him and his life in our community?

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