Firefighter kills man in B'klyn hit-run, and released

Investigators at the scene of the deadly hit-and-run at 65th Street and 20th Avenue in Brooklyn

























A city firefighter involved in a fatal hit and run this morning turned himself in to cops in Brooklyn, but was released without being charged, sources said.

Pat Quagliariello, 39, was behind the wheel of a BMW SUV that slammed into Manuel Tzajguachiac and he crossed a street in Bensonhurst just after midnight, according to sources.

Tzajguachiac, 25, an immigrant from Guatemala, was rushed to Lutheran Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Quagliariello is a city firefighter. Sources said his older brother is a city cop.

Police said that the victim was walking on the southeast corner of 65th Street and 20th Avenue when he was struck by a dark SUV which was traveling eastbound on 65th Street. Cops said the driver did not remain at the scene.

Several hours later, the vehicle’s owner, walked into Brooklyn’s 62nd Precinct and talked with police. No charges were filed, and he was not placed in custody. Quagliariello retained a lawyer, officials said.

Tzajguachiac’s roommate described him a hard-working, family man who came to the US six months ago to earn money to send to his wife and 1-year-old son and wife, who still live in Guatemala.

"He would send money to his family because there’s no work in Guatemala," the roommate said.

Tzajgvachiac, who enjoyed taking long walks and worked many odd jobs, was on his way to clean a nearby school when he was killed.

"He was just a great person who wanted a better life for his kids," said Manuel Gutierrez, a friend who visited his Brooklyn apartment upon learning about the accident. "It’s just too sad."