State Police and Town of Highlands Police Department Announce Arrest in Fatal Hit & Run

The State Police and the Town of Highlands Police Department announce the arrest of Rene Morataya, age 55 of Mount Kisco, NY for (1) count of Leaving the scene of an incident which resulted in death (D Felony).  This investigation began on 10/01/2019 after Town of Highlands Police and State Police responded to a hit and run motor vehicle accident that occurred on State Route 9W in the Town of Highlands at approximately 8:21pm which resulted in the death of George R. Guy.  The accident occurred when a tan colored 1998 Toyota 4-Runner which was being operated by Rene Morataya northbound on State Route 9W attempted to make an illegal U-turn into the southbound lanes of travel.  A motorcycle operated by George Guy, age 62 of Highland Falls was also traveling northbound on 9W in the passing lane and was unable to avoid the 4-Runner as it made the illegal U-turn and subsequently collided into the driver’s side of the Toyota SUV.  George Guy was ejected from his motorcycle and died at the scene.  After the collision, Rene Morataya fled the scene in his heavily damaged SUV.

Rene Morataya was arrested by State Troopers on 10/02/2019 in the area of Crompond Road in Cortlandt, NY (Westchester County).  He was then transported to SP Monroe where he was processed for the arrest.  Morataya was then arraigned at the Town of Monroe Court before Judge Audra Schwartz.  Judge Schwartz set bail at $20,000 cash and Rene Morataya was then remanded to the custody of the Orange County Sheriff.

The State Police and the Town of Highlands Police Department were assisted in this investigation by the West Point Military Police, the Westchester County Police Department and the City of Peekskill Police Department.  The investigation into this incident is continuing and anyone who has any information is being asked to contact the State Police in Middletown at 845.344.5300, reference case #9182887.