Police say a stolen car slammed into Peter Morris’s vehicle as he left his granddaughter’s school in South Farmingdale.
SOUTH FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — An 80-year-old grandfather and Vietnam veteran was killed late Friday morning when a driver in a stolen car crashed into his vehicle outside Woodward Parkway Elementary School, Nassau County police said. Officers arrested a 24-year-old suspect minutes later near the scene.
Authorities and family members identified the victim as Peter Morris of South Farmingdale. The collision happened just before noon outside the school, where Morris had attended a Veterans Day event with his granddaughter. Police said the driver fled on foot after the impact but was found nearby and taken into custody without incident. Prosecutors charged the suspect with second-degree manslaughter and related counts. The death has shaken the school community, which plans a vigil Tuesday evening to honor Morris and support students and staff who witnessed the aftermath.
Detectives said Morris was getting into his parked 2012 Hyundai along Woodward Parkway when a 2013 Nissan, reported stolen, struck his vehicle with enough force to push it onto school property. An off-duty correction officer who gave his name as Torres described hearing a “boom” and running over with a fire extinguisher to help, saying he and others pulled Morris from the wreck. “I see, like, just flames,” Torres said, adding that he will not view the corner the same again. Emergency crews transported Morris to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said the Nissan’s driver ran but was caught a short distance away.
Nassau County authorities identified the suspect as Randy Colon of Hicksville. He was ordered held without bail and faces charges including second-degree manslaughter, criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Investigators said more charges could follow as they process evidence and review surveillance footage from homes and the school. Family members said Morris had recently lost his wife of nearly 60 years and was eager to take his granddaughter on her first trip to Disney World. “He always cared about his community. He loved us all,” grandson Peter Morris said.
Morris served in Vietnam and was invited to the school ceremony to speak with students. Administrators said the program ended shortly before the crash, and staff quickly moved children indoors. Paul Defendini, Farmingdale schools superintendent, called the loss “unimaginable,” praising first responders and neighbors who rushed to help. “We hope this event will serve as a powerful sign of our strength and our long-term commitment to being there for each other,” he said in a written statement about Tuesday’s vigil. Residents described South Farmingdale as a tight-knit community still recovering from other recent tragedies, and said traffic near school campuses remains a constant worry when dismissal times overlap with busy roads.
Colon is scheduled to return to court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors said they will present witness statements and vehicle records, including data from the Nissan, to a grand jury. Detectives asked anyone with home-security footage along Woodward Parkway late Friday morning to contact them. The district said crisis counselors will remain at Woodward Parkway Elementary through the week and that the vigil will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday on school grounds, weather permitting. A memorial of flowers and small flags grew outside the campus fence over the weekend.
Neighbors stopped by Sunday to leave notes and recall Morris’s easy laugh. “A veteran right before Veterans Day—can you imagine,” longtime resident Nicolette Morelli said, shaking her head. Torres, the off-duty officer, said he planned to return for the vigil to thank staff who tried to comfort students. Parents who were at pickup time said they hope the ceremony brings some calm for children who saw flashing lights and smoke. “We’re here for you,” Torres said in a brief message to the family. “We’ve got the school’s back.”
As of Monday morning, police said their investigation remains active while the district prepares for the 7 p.m. Tuesday vigil at Woodward Parkway Elementary. Additional patrols were planned around the campus during arrival and dismissal this week.
Author note: Last updated November 10, 2025.