Lawyer: LI Man 'Didn't Intend' To Hit Victim With Car, Start Fire At Gas Station
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The attorney of a Long Island man accused of allegedly hitting a man with his car and starting a fire after crashing into a pump at a gas station said his client never intended to hit the victim.
Maleek Ward, 18, of Wyandanch, was arrested after being found in a vehicle with three others, who were in possession of marijuana. At the time of his arrest, Ward had a defaced handgun in his possession. Police investigation later connected Ward to the incident at the BP gas station in Wyandanch, which occurred on New Year's day.
Attorney Robert Macedonio said Ward never intended to hit the man with his vehicle, stating that he was trying to get away from the violence, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.
Macedonio said Ward accidentally stepped on the gas pedal in his friend's car, causing him to hit the man.
"It was two individuals attacking my client," Macedonio said. "He was trying to leave there and in the process of fleeing he struck the gas pumps and that's when the flames came about."
The man struck by the vehicle is hospitalized with serious leg injuries. Ward is being held on $42,000 bail pending his next court date.