Police say 80-year-old Peter Morris died after his SUV was struck near Woodward Parkway Elementary; a 24-year-old man is charged.
SOUTH FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — An 80-year-old Vietnam War veteran was killed late Friday morning when a stolen Nissan crashed into his parked SUV outside Woodward Parkway Elementary School, Nassau County police said. Officers arrested a 24-year-old suspect minutes later after he ran from the scene on foot.
The victim was identified by family as Peter Morris of South Farmingdale. Relatives said he had just left a Veterans Day program at his granddaughter’s school and was getting into his 2012 Hyundai when the collision happened along Woodward Parkway. The case has moved quickly, with prosecutors filing felony charges while detectives review surveillance video and vehicle data. The death shook the school community heading into the holiday week, prompting grief counseling on campus and plans for a vigil as neighbors placed flowers and small flags near the entrance.
Police said the crash occurred at about 11:40 a.m. Friday outside the elementary school’s campus. Investigators believe a 2013 Nissan, reported stolen earlier that day, was speeding when it slammed into Morris’s Hyundai with enough force to push it onto school property. An off-duty correction officer who gave his name as Torres described hearing a heavy boom, seeing smoke, and running over with a fire extinguisher. “I saw flames and we pulled him out,” Torres said. Staff ushered students indoors while first responders arrived. Paramedics took Morris to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Authorities identified the alleged driver as Randy Colon, 24, of Hicksville. He was taken into custody near the scene without incident and later charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. A judge ordered him held pending further proceedings. Detectives are examining doorbell cameras and school security footage, documenting skid marks and debris fields, and analyzing the Nissan’s onboard systems to reconstruct the seconds before impact. Police said additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Family members described Morris as a devoted grandfather who recently lost his wife of nearly 60 years and was planning a trip with his granddaughter. “He always cared about his community. He loved us all,” his grandson, who shares his name, said. Neighbors called the crash a heartbreaking blow to a tight-knit area. Nicolette Morelli, who lives nearby, said the timing — the day before the Veterans Day weekend — made the loss feel especially harsh. Residents said traffic around school dismissal has long been a worry on Woodward Parkway and nearby blocks.
Farmingdale schools superintendent Paul Defendini said counselors were assigned to Woodward Parkway Elementary and that a community vigil would be held on campus at 7 p.m. Tuesday to honor Morris and support students and staff. Administrators said the veterans program ended shortly before the crash, and staff coordinated with police to secure the area and manage dismissal. A small memorial grew outside the fence through the weekend: flowers, handwritten notes and miniature American flags tucked into the grass.
Colon is expected to return to court this week for a preliminary hearing while prosecutors prepare evidence for a grand jury. Officials said they will present witness statements, surveillance clips and vehicle records, including airbag module data, to determine speed and braking. Detectives asked residents with cameras facing Woodward Parkway late Friday morning to contact them. The district said additional patrol cars would be visible during arrival and dismissal this week as the investigation proceeds.
By Sunday evening, mourners continued to visit the school grounds, pausing under a gray fall sky to read notes and straighten flags near the curb. Parents who came for pickup on Monday said they were talking with their children about what happened and thanking staff who guided students inside. “We’re here for the family and for each other,” Torres said, adding that he planned to attend the vigil with neighbors who rushed to help after the crash.
As of Monday afternoon, police said the investigation remained active. The school district confirmed Tuesday’s 7 p.m. vigil at Woodward Parkway Elementary and said counseling services would continue on campus throughout the week.
Author note: Last updated November 10, 2025.