Man Arrested In Hit-And-Run Death Of Rookie NYPD Officer

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Union County Prosecutor's Office announced Monday night that an arrest has been made in the hit-and-run death of a rookie NYPD officer on the New Jersey Turnpike.

William Espinal-Mejia, 35, of Linden, New Jersey, turned himself into authorities Monday evening in the death of 25-year-old Vincent Harrison, prosecutor Mark Spivey said in a statement.

Espinal-Mejia was charged with a single count of second-degree leaving the scene of a fatal accident and is being held on $100,000 bail.

Harrison was off-duty around 3 a.m. Sunday in Elizabeth when New Jersey State Police said his car collided with a 2003 Ford Escape as he was changing lanes on the southbound side of the turnpike.

Harrison ended up on the shoulder and got out of his car. He was then in the roadway near the Ford in the right and right center lanes when police said he was hit by an Infiniti that drove up on the scene.

After briefly stopping, police said the Infiniti sped off before officers arrived.

Harrison was severely injured and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Black and purple bunting could be seen hanging outside the 100th Precinct in Queens Monday where Harrison served, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.

As CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported, Harrison was a resident of Valley Stream, Long Island, and grew up not far from the Rockaway Beach precinct where he worked.

"It truly angers us, because it is always the good ones that go this way," said Natasha Berry, a relative of Harrison's. "and I know my husband is going to have a very difficult time without him."

"Anything you needed, he was always there," added relative Drexel Berry. "It didn't matter what time of day; what time of night -- he was always right there. That's my little brother."

Harrison's NYPD colleagues were likewise emotional as their shields were covered with black bands of mourning.

"Everyone's mourning," said Officer Anthony Byrd. "It is never easy."

"Sad -- it is a hard day, you know," said Officer Andy Mitchell. "No matter how you look at it, we lost someone, you know? And there is no coming back."

"Such a shock that he had to go this way, and he's gone from us now forever," said Harrison's aunt, Mable Stapleton.

"He was one of those officers that was trying to do good; make a difference," said Harrison's cousin, Jemaine Stapleton.

Harrison moved to Valley Stream with his mother after graduating from Beach Channel High School. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a police officer while still doing standup comedy and acting on the side.

Harrison's Facebook page showcases his love for things like Comic Con, games and Pokemon, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.

But now he has lost his life at age 25.

"It makes you wonder, who is that person (who struck him) and why -- among the questions we want to ask," said Harrison's uncle, Marcus Stapleton.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of our own, may you rest in peace P.O. Vincent Harrison," the 100th Precinct tweeted Sunday.