The man who allegedly killed Nicki Minaj’s father in a hit-and-run has been arrested.Charles Polevich, 71, turned himself in to law enforcement on Wednesday morning (Feb. 17), Nassau County Police announced during a news conference. Polevich also has a home on Long Island, according to Fox 5 New York.
Robert Maraj was walking northbound on Roslyn Road in Mineola, Long Island at 6:15 p.m on Friday (Feb. 12), when he was struck by a 1992 white Volvo station wagon. Polevich initially stopped but then continued going.
The 64-year-old Maraj was taken to a local hospital in critical condition before he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Police tracked Polevich’s vehicle to his home in Mineola using various “pieces of video.” He was charged with leaving the scene of an auto accident and tampering with evidence. He has no prior criminal record, according to police.
“He was absolutely aware of what happened,” said Det. Steven Fitzpatrick. “He got out of the car and he looked at the deceased, got into his car, and made the conscious decision to leave instead of dialing 911, instead of calling an ambulance for the man. He went home and secluded the vehicle. He’s well aware of what he did.”
Minaj has not publicly commented on her father’s death. Police said they had been “in constant touch with the family” throughout the investigation.
A woman claiming to be Maraj’s sister mourned the loss of her brother on Facebook. “My heart is so heavy right now, I’m missing my big brother and it’s only been less than 24 hrs,” Suzie Maraj wrote over the weekend.
Unfortunately, Nicki Minaj's father, Robert Maraj, has passed away after being struck in a hit-and-run accident.
— Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) February 14, 2021
My wishes and condolences are with Nicki and her family❤️ pic.twitter.com/CPNWBtrfsW
