Queens Man Indicted for Murder After Dragging Pedestrian to Death in Shocking Hit-and-Run Horror

In a harrowing incident that has deeply unsettled the Queens community, 49-year-old Warren Rollins of Elmont has been indicted for the tragic death of 66-year-old pedestrian Gary Charlotin. The fatal event occurred on December 10, 2023, on Hempstead Avenue near 220th Street in Queens Village.

The Incident

According to authorities, Charlotin was initially struck by a Toyota Camry driven by 36-year-old Osman Zavala-Varela of Hempstead. The impact propelled Charlotin into the eastbound lanes of Hempstead Avenue, where he lay injured. Moments later, Rollins, driving a Chevrolet Traverse, ran over Charlotin. Witnesses reported that Rollins stopped his vehicle after the collision, and bystanders urgently informed him that someone was trapped beneath his SUV. Despite their pleas, Rollins allegedly drove off after more than two minutes, dragging Charlotin’s body for several thousand feet. Charlotin was eventually dislodged near the Cross Island Parkway overpass, where he was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders .

Legal Proceedings

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that a grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Rollins, charging him with:

• Second-degree murder

• Second-degree manslaughter

• Criminally negligent homicide

• Leaving the scene of an incident without reporting

Rollins surrendered to the NYPD’s 105th Precinct on June 3, 2025, following a nearly six-month investigation. He was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis, who ordered him held pending his next court appearance on July 17, 2025 .

Zavala-Varela, the driver of the Toyota Camry involved in the initial collision, was arrested earlier and charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting and tampering with physical evidence. He is scheduled to return to court on July 10 .

Community Impact

The incident has sparked outrage and grief within the Queens community, highlighting concerns over pedestrian safety and the consequences of reckless driving. District Attorney Katz emphasized the severity of Rollins’ actions, stating that his conduct demonstrated a complete disregard for human life.

As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits justice for Gary Charlotin, whose life was tragically cut short in this devastating hit-and-run incident.