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Recidivist Drunk Driver Charged in Nassau County Hit-and-Run After Police Chase

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Teddy's, the bar belonging to the man who hit a pedestrianA Long Island Bar Owner, a Revoked License, and Serious Injuries to a Pedestrian and Police Officers

A Long Island bar owner described by prosecutors as a “recidivist drunk driver” now faces multiple felony charges following a hit-and-run that left a pedestrian with life-threatening injuries and a subsequent police chase that resulted in injuries to law-enforcement officers in Nassau County. The case highlights recurring failures in DWI enforcement and the profound risks posed by drivers who continue to operate vehicles despite revoked licenses.

According to prosecutors, Leonard Gross—owner of Teddy’s Bully Bar in Oyster Bay—had his license revoked nearly a decade ago yet allegedly consumed multiple alcoholic drinks before driving a pickup truck that struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk, ran the victim over, and fled the scene. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and license-plate reader data ultimately led police to Gross’s residence.

The pedestrian sustained multiple broken ribs, chest and lung injuries, and facial trauma, requiring intubation for several days.

For our New York car accident lawyers, this case reflects the most dangerous convergence of risk factors: repeat DWI behavior, illegal driving, a hit-and-run, and a violent attempt to evade law enforcement.

Civil Liability Beyond the Criminal Case

While criminal charges focus on punishment, civil claims focus on accountability and compensation. Victims injured in crashes involving intoxicated drivers may have claims under New York law for:

  • Medical expenses and long-term care

  • Lost income and diminished earning capacity

  • Pain and suffering

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

  • Punitive damages in cases involving reckless or egregious conduct

These claims are typically pursued through a personal injury lawsuit, independent of the criminal prosecution.

Legal Options for the Injured Pedestrian

Pedestrians struck in crosswalks are among the most vulnerable roadway users, and New York law provides strong protections when motorists fail to yield or flee the scene.

In a case involving alleged intoxication and a hit-and-run, a pedestrian may pursue claims under:

  • New York’s pedestrian right-of-way laws

  • Serious-injury thresholds under Insurance Law §5102

  • Potential punitive damages for leaving the scene

These claims are typically handled through a dedicated pedestrian accident action.

DWI and Hit-and-Run: Why These Cases Are Treated Differently

Allegations of intoxication fundamentally change both criminal and civil exposure. Evidence such as bar receipts, surveillance footage, witness testimony, and toxicology results can significantly strengthen liability.

Similarly, leaving the scene of an accident is viewed by courts as evidence of conscious disregard for human life, often supporting enhanced damages.

These matters fall squarely within DWI accident litigation and hit-and-run accident claims, where immediate investigation is critical.

What Can the Injured Police Officers Do Legally?

Police officers injured during a vehicle pursuit or while attempting to apprehend a suspect have distinct legal rights under New York law, which may include multiple parallel remedies:

1. Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Injured officers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits covering:

  • Medical treatment

  • Partial wage replacement

  • Disability benefits

This applies regardless of fault.

2. General Municipal Law §205-e Lawsuit

Police officers may bring a separate civil lawsuit under GML §205-e if their injuries were caused by a violation of a statute, ordinance, or regulation—such as:

  • Driving while intoxicated

  • Driving with a revoked license

  • Fleeing law enforcement

  • Violating vehicle and traffic laws

This is a powerful legal tool unique to police officers and can allow recovery beyond workers’ compensation, including pain and suffering.

3. Personal Injury Claim Against the Driver

In cases involving reckless or criminal conduct, injured officers may also pursue a direct personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, particularly when the conduct falls outside the normal risks of police work.

4. Disability and Line-of-Duty Benefits

If injuries are permanent, officers may qualify for:

  • Accident disability retirement

  • Line-of-duty injury benefits

  • Supplemental municipal benefits

An experienced attorney can coordinate these claims to avoid offsets and protect long-term financial security.

A Preventable Chain of Events

This case illustrates how repeat DWI behavior, lax enforcement, and illegal driving can spiral into catastrophic harm—not only to pedestrians, but to police officers and the broader public.

When a driver with a revoked license allegedly drinks at his own bar, flees after striking a pedestrian, and triggers a police chase, accountability must extend beyond the criminal courtroom.

Victims—including injured officers—have the right to pursue full civil justice under New York law.

Picture of the bar: Courtesy of Google Map

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