By Michael Caputo and Mayer Fertig
The man, Thomas Nathan, 69, of Albany, was pronounced dead a short time later.
Nathan had been walking past 315 Central Avenue when the accident occurred, a few doors down from Amazing Savings. According to police, the black Chrysler Aspen minivan operated by Nicole Gleitman, 49, jumped the curb at a high rate of speed after backing up the vehicle in an attempt to parallel park.
Hatzalah responded almost immediately, followed shortly by the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department. Nathan was transported to St. John's Hospital in Far Rockaway, where he was pronounced dead at 3:25 p.m.
After striking the victim, Gleitman "was hysterical," according to a witness, who described the woman sitting on the ground sobbing. Gleitman, who runs a local chesed organization, was taken to the hospital. Updates on Gleitman's condition are unavailable at the present time. A man who answered the phone at Gleitman's residence refused comment.
Police said the minivan was impounded for brake and safety checks. There have been no charges filed or summons issued and police said the accident is still under investigation.
