The suspect arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that killed a Schenectady teen had a long rap sheet of driving offenses, according to police. Anthony Gallo, of Rotterdam, allegedly hit 19-year-old Cassandra Boone with his pickup truck last week and then fled the scene. Boone was rushed to Albany Medical Center but passed away shortly after. According to the Wall Street Journal, after receiving a tip on the vehicle used by the hit-and-run driver, police found the 34-year-old Gallo and arrested him. Upon a background check, police discovered that Gallo had ten suspensions on his license and should not have been behind the wheel in the first place.
Allegedly, Boone pressed the button to activate the crossing lights and used the crosswalk to traverse across Erie Boulevard. Purportedly, Gallo’s white Dodge pickup truck ran the red light and struck the teen. In a news article, a witness to the accident told of his point of view, saying: “I did see him fly through the light. It was almost like he caught air he was going so fast.” Gallo reportedly has a long rap sheet of past offenses, with ten suspensions on his license including one for DWAI and drug possession. For the fatal hit-and-run accident, he has currently been charged with leaving the scene of an auto accident resulting in death, a felony, and traffic violations of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, passing a steady red light and speeding. More charges are expected to be filed and toxicology tests are pending.
Cassandra Boone was currently a freshman at Schenectady County Community College. Neighbors said that the teen had a bright future and spent a good deal of time helping her mother and her younger sister. Her aunt, Florence Bolden, commented in reports: “She was a joy to our family. He raped us of a joy and a really good kid. Very intelligent, a really good girl. It’s terrible, it’s terrible.”
Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable when crossing streets, especially when drivers are negligent or conditions are unfavorable. As Cassandra Boone’s tragedy illustrates, even when crossing streets responsibly, serious accidents can occur. According to Transportation for America, 3,222 people were killed walking in New York between 2000 and 2009. If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Fill out the form on the right to consult with an experienced New York pedestrian accident lawyer to see if you might be eligible to receive remuneration for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.