Speedy driver accused of fleeing to Guyana after fatal 2019 crash

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — A driver is accused of hiding in Guyana after hitting and killing a man in Queens on Christmas Day nearly five years ago, authorities said Friday.

Ravindra Dharamjit, 26, was indicted on manslaughter, reckless driving, and other charges for killing a 67-year-old father of four on Dec. 25, 2019, according to prosecutors.

The defendant allegedly bought a one-way ticket to Guyana two weeks after the crash.

Ainsley Dalrymple was leaving his son’s house after Christmas dinner when he was fatally struck crossing the street at Rockaway Boulevard between 113th Street and 114th Street at around 9:30 p.m., according to court records. The victim suffered serious head and bodily injuries and died at the hospital.

Dharamjit was allegedly going 74 mph when he hit the victim in a 25 mph zone. He then allegedly broke a red light at Rockaway and Linden boulevards and drove off on the wrong side of the road, prosecutors said.

He allegedly boarded the plane to Guayana on Jan. 9, 2020. Authorities worked with the U.S. Marshalls to find the defendant in Guyana.

“Rather than stop the vehicle and render aid, the defendant allegedly continued speeding through a busy intersection and later fled the country on a one-way ticket to Guyana. My office and our police partners never give up on cases and today we arraigned this defendant, nearly five years after the fatal crash,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said.

The defendant was also charged with reckless driving, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, failing to obey passing safety markers, driving in excess of the maximum speed limit, and operating a vehicle at unreasonable speed, prosecutors said.

He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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