Yonkers Police Department Arrests Yonkers Man in Fatal Early Morning Hit and Run Accident

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/9/2024 #006

Yonkers Police Department Arrests Yonkers Man in Fatal Early Morning Hit and Run Accident

Yonkers, NY- The Yonkers Police Department has arrested and charged the driver in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred earlier this week.

At just before 5:00 am on Monday, April 8, 2024, the Yonkers Police Department received a report of a person down in the street on Buena Vista Avenue between Main Street and Dock Street. After arriving on the scene, first responders located an unconscious female in the street and attempted life-saving measures. This female was transported to an area hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. She has since been identified as Fateema Respress, 35, of Yonkers. The City of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department extend their condolences to her friends and family.

Detectives from the Yonkers Police Major Case Squad, Crime Scene Unit, Digital Forensics Unit, and Accident Investigators from our Traffic Division responded to the scene to investigate. This investigation revealed that Respress appeared to have tripped and fallen in the roadway at that location. Investigators also found as she was attempting to get up, a black SUV traveling northbound on Buena Vista Avenue struck Respress, then fled the scene.

Detectives were able to locate this vehicle and apprehend the driver later in the day on April 9, 2024. The driver is identified as Geneby CLASE of Yonkers, New York. CLASE is charged with Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident resulting in Death, a D-Felony in the State of New York.

"Our Yonkers Detectives have proven, once again, their excellence and expertise in investigating crimes of all nature," said Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. "This Department and our dedicated members will never stop championing justice for victims of any crime in this City. We will continue to do so, as is our duty to the community we serve."

NOTE: Booking charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. ###