Family Seeks Justice For Teen Killed By Hit and Run Driver

Police identified the teenage victim of a hit and run driver Friday, as his tearful family called on that driver to surrender.

Oscar Veliz, 16, died Thursday,  two days after being struck in Hempstead.  Veliz had been crossing Clinton Street on his bike, heading home. 

"It hurts that somebody could do this and just leave," said Carlos Veliz, the victim's brother.  As he fought back tears, his mother wept openly, her head on the shoulder of her surviving son. 

Nassau police released a photo Friday of the type of car they are seeking -- a gold or tan Toyota Camry.  The driver is believed to be a man around 20. 

A reward of up to $5000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

"The guy who was driving the car, he didn't stop," said witness Vondell Jamison, who also shot video of the aftermath of the crash.

"He let him fall in front of the car and he moved out of the way and kept on moving."

Oscar's bike was still under the car as it fled, according to investigators.

"If it was an accident, he should have stopped," said Veliz's aunt, Lurbyn Contreras.  "You should help him.  That's not fair."

Oscar Veliz was a junior at Hempstead HS, who loved to rap and dance, said his brother. 

"He was a good guy, who was never in trouble." added Carlos Veliz.

"Me and him have always been together.  We did everything together. He was my only little brother."

A family friend placed a candle and flowers at the crash site to remember the teen, as neighbors urged the driver to surrender to police.

"Turn yourself in," said Melanie Butler.  "You killed a young kid. Turn yourself in."