East New York’s deadly hours

Sep 14 - Brooklyn, Pennsylvania and Hegeman. A driver in a sedan hit a 71-year-old man at the intersection. Police recorded unsafe speed and unsafe lane changing. The driver was 15 and unlicensed. The pedestrian suffered a head wound and severe bleeding.

A driver in a 2020 Honda sedan headed north on Pennsylvania Avenue and hit a 71-year-old man at Hegeman Avenue. The man was at the intersection and suffered a head injury with severe bleeding. He was conscious. The teen behind the wheel was 15 and unlicensed and reported minor leg bleeding. According to the police report, police recorded "Unsafe Speed" and "Unsafe Lane Changing" by the driver. Impact was to the sedan’s center front end. The report lists the driver going straight before impact. The pedestrian was the only person seriously hurt. No other vehicles were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4842244 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

• Brooklyn police pursuit ends with pedestrian struck, alleged teenage car thief caught, amny, Published 2025-09-14

Aug 24 - A male bicyclist was found unconscious at 190 Bethel Loop in Brooklyn. He suffered head trauma and severe lacerations. The bike showed center front-end damage and was recorded as parked. Police recorded no other vehicle or driver errors.

According to the police report, a male bicyclist was injured at 190 Bethel Loop in Brooklyn and was found unconscious with head trauma and severe lacerations. The report notes center front-end damage to the bicycle and records the bike as parked before the crash. No other vehicle or driver is specified in the report. Police recorded no driver errors. The bicyclist's contributing factors are listed as "Unspecified" in the report data. Vehicle records show a single male occupant on the bike and list the point of impact and damage as the bicycle's center front end.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4837485 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 17 - Two sedans collided by 1000 Sutter Ave. Four occupants hurt. Head blows. Crush pain. Parked cars struck. Police cite alcohol involvement. Brooklyn street turns hard and mean.

Two sedans collided near 1000 Sutter Ave in Brooklyn, injuring four occupants: two drivers, ages 72 and 54, and two front-seat passengers, ages 41 and 30. According to the police report, the crash involved “Alcohol Involvement.” Multiple parked sedans were also hit, with front-end damage noted. Listed driver errors include Alcohol Involvement, a clear risk flagged in the data. No contributing factors are attributed to the injured passengers. The record shows crush injuries and head trauma among those hurt. Vehicles show front-end and bumper impacts, consistent with a forceful strike on Sutter Avenue.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4835930 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Aug 14 - Council moves to hit rogue vans hard. A checklist. Max fines for each breach. TLC, NYPD, DOT must act together. Crack down on illegal operators who imperil riders and people on the street. The bill sits in committee.

Int 1347-2025 sits in the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced and referred on August 14, 2025. The bill’s title: “A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to enforcing violations against unlicensed commuter vans.” It orders TLC, with NYPD and DOT, to keep a compliance checklist. When officers stop an unlicensed van, they must check every rule and issue the maximum fine for each breach. Primary sponsor Nantasha M. Williams. Co-sponsors Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Mercedes Narcisse, and Chris Banks. Status: Committee. If enacted, it takes effect 120 days later. It targets illegal operators who put riders and bystanders at risk.

• File Int 1347-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Aug 14 - Council introduces Int 1347-2025 to curb rogue commuter vans. TLC, NYPD, and DOT must keep a safety checklist. Officers who spot an unlicensed van stack every charge and levy max fines. A push to shield riders and people on the street.

Int 1347-2025 is in Committee. It sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction and referral on August 14, 2025. The bill’s title reads, “A Local Law … in relation to enforcing violations against unlicensed commuter vans.” It orders TLC, with NYPD and DOT, to maintain a checklist of laws on vehicle and driver licensure, service authorization, insurance, and inspections. When an officer stops an unlicensed van, they must review the list and issue the maximum penalty for each violation. Primary sponsor Nantasha M. Williams is joined by Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Mercedes Narcisse, Chris Banks, and Farah N. Louis. The aim is to protect riders and bystanders from unlicensed operators who skip the rules.

• File Int 1347-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-08-14

Jul 23 - Two men killed crossing Third Avenue. A driver sped through a red light, fled. Eighty hurt or dead since 2018. Residents rally. Promised fixes stalled. Danger remains. Children cross nine lanes to reach school.

Gothamist (2025-07-23) reports Sunset Park residents and officials demand safety upgrades on Third Avenue after a hit-and-run killed two men. Police say the driver "sped through a red light" and fled. Since 2018, drivers have killed or seriously injured 80 people on this two-mile stretch. A redesign with protected bike lanes was approved but stalled. State Sen. Gounardes criticized the city's response: "We should all be offended... the response... is a sign that says: 'be careful.'" The article highlights the need for enforcement and infrastructure, noting children must cross nine lanes daily.

• Sunset Park Demands Safer Third Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-23

Jul 18 - Cargo van struck Mayya Gil, 95, as she crossed Cropsey Avenue. She died. Her aide survived. Driver charged with failure to yield and due care. The street stayed open. The danger stayed real.

Gothamist (2025-07-18) reports a 95-year-old woman, Mayya Gil, died after a cargo van hit her and her home health aide while they crossed Cropsey Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver, Thimothe Andre, was charged with two counts of failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. Police said Andre struck both victims while turning. Gil died at the hospital; her aide survived. The article notes, 'NYPD data shows 100 people have died in city traffic crashes so far this year.' The case highlights persistent risks for pedestrians and the consequences of driver inattention at city intersections.

• Brooklyn Pedestrian Killed Crossing Cropsey Avenue, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-18

Jul 15 - A car spun out in a Brooklyn lot. The driver lost control. The machine struck Madison Ruiz as she sat by the curb. She died at the hospital. The driver faces criminal charges.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-15), Madison Ruiz, 21, was killed when Zachary Cando, 24, lost control of a Genesis G80 while 'doing donuts' in a Gateway Plaza parking lot. The article states Cando 'lost control' and struck Ruiz as she sat by the curb. Police charged Cando with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. The incident highlights the risks of reckless driving in public spaces and raises questions about parking lot safety and enforcement.

• Driver Doing Donuts Kills Brooklyn Woman, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-15

Jul 14 - Council bill lets ambulettes drive and double-park in bus lanes. More vehicles in bus lanes mean more risk for people walking, biking, and waiting at curbs. Danger grows where curb chaos reigns.

Bill Int 1339-2025 sits with the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure since July 14, 2025. The bill, titled 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...exempting ambulettes from certain bus lane restrictions and allowing them to double park to assist passengers,' would let ambulettes drive, stop, and double-park in bus lanes to help passengers. Council Member Julie Menin sponsors, joined by Linda Lee, Frank Morano, Eric Dinowitz, Lynn C. Schulman, Kamillah Hanks, Carlina Rivera, and Chris Banks. Allowing more vehicles to double-park and block bus lanes increases risk for pedestrians and cyclists at the curb. The city’s most vulnerable will face more conflict and less safe space.

• File Int 1339-2025, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-07-14

Jul 13 - The driver of an SUV hit a sedan on Belt Parkway. A 56-year-old man bled from his elbow and lower arm. Police listed 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage'. One driver was unlicensed. The injured driver remained conscious.

A driver in an SUV collided with a sedan on Belt Parkway. A 56-year-old male driver suffered severe bleeding to his elbow, lower arm and hand and remained conscious. "According to the police report, both vehicles were traveling straight when they crashed." The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Aggressive Driving/Road Rage' as contributing factors. The report also records that one driver was unlicensed. Police logged the points of impact on the SUV's right front quarter panel and the sedan's left rear quarter panel. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827673 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 13 - A sedan hit a 21-year-old woman off Gateway Drive. She died from crush injuries. Police cite driver distraction and unsafe speed. The car’s front end took the impact. No other injuries reported.

A 21-year-old woman walking near 395 Gateway Drive in Brooklyn was struck and killed by a sedan. According to the police report, the pedestrian was not in the roadway when the car hit her, causing fatal crush injuries to her entire body. The sedan’s center front end was damaged. Police list 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. No other serious injuries were reported among the vehicle occupants. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of driver error in city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4827641 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jul 10 - A moped struck a 90-year-old man in Brooklyn. The driver fled. The man died at the hospital. Security video captured the impact. The street claimed another life.

CBS New York (2025-07-10) reports a 90-year-old man died after a moped hit-and-run in Brooklyn. Security footage 'shows the moment the man was struck.' The driver left the scene. The victim died at the hospital. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians and the ongoing danger of drivers who flee. No policy changes or arrests were reported.

• Elderly Man Killed In Brooklyn Hit-Run, CBS New York, Published 2025-07-10

Jul 9 - A moped struck a 90-year-old man crossing in Sheepshead Bay. The rider looked away, hit the man, paused, then fled. The victim lay motionless. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital. He died from his injuries.

ABC7 reported on July 9, 2025, that Zhuo Xie, 90, was killed crossing East 14th Street and Avenue U in Brooklyn. The article states, "a man riding a blue moped slammed into Xie and both men fell to the ground." Surveillance video showed the moped rider looking left, not ahead, before impact. The driver checked on Xie, then left the scene. Police said the moped had a green light, but the rider's inattention and failure to remain highlight systemic dangers for pedestrians. The incident underscores risks at intersections and the consequences of hit-and-run crashes.

• Moped Hits Elderly Pedestrian, Flees Scene, ABC7, Published 2025-07-09

Jul 1 - A judge paused city plans to cut a protected bike lane after children were struck crossing. The lane, built after five pedestrian crashes, stays for now. Streets wait. Danger lingers.

NY1 reported on July 1, 2025, that a judge halted the city's move to remove a three-block section of the Bedford Avenue protected bike lane. The city acted after 'incidents of children exiting school buses, crossing into the lane, and being hit by bikes.' The lane, stretching over two miles, was installed in 2024 following 'years of advocacy and five pedestrian incidents.' The hearing highlights ongoing conflict between street safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and the city's rapid policy shifts in response to crashes.

• Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Faces Review, NY1, Published 2025-07-01

Jun 30 - SUV hit a moped on Avenue D. One moped rider suffered crush injuries to his leg. Police cite driver inexperience. Both vehicles showed no damage. The street stayed quiet after the crash.

A collision between a Jeep SUV and a JIAJU moped occurred on Avenue D at Rockaway Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the SUV struck the moped, injuring the 30-year-old male moped driver, who suffered crush injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. Police list 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor for both drivers. The moped driver was wearing a helmet. No damage was reported to either vehicle. No other injuries were documented.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 30 - Council orders swift removal of abandoned, derelict cars. Streets clear in 72 hours. No plates, no stickers, no excuses. Police and sanitation must act. Safer crossings for all who walk, ride, or wait.

Bill Int 0857-2024, now at the Mayor's desk, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council on June 30, 2025. The bill, titled "A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to vehicles reported as abandoned to the department of sanitation," requires the Department of Sanitation to remove derelict vehicles within 72 hours of report. The NYPD must tow cars lacking valid plates or stickers. Prime sponsor Selvena N. Brooks-Powers led, joined by Crystal Hudson, Amanda Farías, Lincoln Restler, and others. The law targets street hazards, clearing blocked sightlines and crosswalks. It aims to cut risks for pedestrians and cyclists by removing abandoned vehicles fast.

• File Int 0857-2024, NYC Council – Legistar, Published 2025-06-30

Jun 29 - An eight-year-old boy died after a Honda SUV struck him at Eastern Parkway and Albany Ave. He was dragged under the car. Blood pooled. His sister watched. The driver stayed. No arrest. The city investigates.

NY Daily News (2025-06-29) reports an 8-year-old boy was fatally struck by a 69-year-old Honda Pilot driver at Eastern Parkway and Albany Ave. in Brooklyn. The boy was crossing when hit; witnesses saw him dragged from under the SUV. The article quotes, "I saw the kid being dragged from underneath the car by a woman." The driver remained at the scene. No arrests were made. NYPD Collision Squad investigates. The crash highlights persistent dangers at city intersections and the lethal risk large vehicles pose to children.

• Child Killed By SUV In Crown Heights, NY Daily News, Published 2025-06-29

Jun 27 - Sedan and pickup clashed on Linden. Two people hurt. Police cite improper lane use. Metal twisted. Lives changed in seconds.

A sedan and a pickup truck collided at Linden Blvd and Van Sinderen Ave in Brooklyn. Two occupants, a 58-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, suffered neck and back injuries. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' Both vehicles were making right turns when the impact occurred. Police list no other contributing factors. The injured were not ejected and wore lap belts. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823753 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-19