Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley, Elected Officials Turn Up Heat on Hit and Run Assailant

Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley, Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, Rep. Joe Crowley, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, Maspeth Town Hall, local business leaders and advocates joined the family of the late George Gibbons to announce a reward of $10,000 to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of Peter Rodriguez, the suspected driver responsible for a hit and run that took the life of the well-known Maspeth bar owner.

George Gibbons was tragically killed Saturday, October 15 when a 2002 Sebring traveling in the wrong direction on the Long Island Expressway service road at 58th Road struck a livery cab carrying the victim. Gibbons, owner of “The Gibbons’ Home,” was a well-known and respected lifelong resident of Maspeth.

The George Gibbons Reward Fund is rapidly growing as community members continue to make pledges and donate to the cause. Unused proceeds will be donated to the George Gibbons Foundation to benefit local causes in Maspeth.

The NYPD has identified Peter Rodriguez, a 36-year-old Hispanic male, last known to reside in Brooklyn, as the primary suspects. Individuals with information about this case are encouraged to call 1-800-577-TIPS, or send a text message to “CRIMES,” (274637), then enter “TIP577″.

Council Member Elizabeth S. Crowley said, “George Gibbons was adored and respected in Maspeth. The community has shown an outpouring of support in donating toward a reward that will hopefully bring some leads to the NYPD and some peace of mind to the Gibbons family by capturing the person who committed this horrendous crime.”

Rep. Joe Crowley said, “George Gibbons represented the very best of our community and I join all of Queens in mourning the loss of a great family man, a great friend, and a great neighbor. While nothing will bring George back, his family and friends deserve answers and closure. Hopefully today’s event will bring much-needed attention to this case and encourage people who have information about Mr. Rodriguez to contact the authorities. I also want to thank Maspeth Federal Savings Bank and the other local businesses for offering this reward. Their generosity demonstrates just how much our community can do when we come together.”

Bernadette Gibbons, sister of the late George Gibbons, said, “Our family feels lost, empty, and numb. This suspect has selfishly robbed our family and our community of our brother George. Please assist us in finding this coward.”