Crash Count for University Heights (South)-Morris Heights
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 1,540
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 1,071
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 234
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 14
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 8
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Oct 31, 2025
Carnage in University Heights (South)-Morris Heights
Detailed breakdowns aren’t yet available for this year slice; totals below reflect the selected window.
Killed 8
Crush Injuries 3
Head 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Amputation 1
Lower arm/hand 1
Severe Bleeding 4
Head 3
Lower arm/hand 1
Severe Lacerations 5
Head 3
Hip/upper leg 1
Whole body 1
Concussion 5
Head 5
Whiplash 42
Neck 21
+16
Back 9
+4
Head 9
+4
Chest 3
Face 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Whole body 1
Contusion/Bruise 50
Lower leg/foot 16
+11
Shoulder/upper arm 9
+4
Head 6
+1
Back 5
Neck 5
Whole body 5
Face 3
Lower arm/hand 3
Abdomen/pelvis 2
Hip/upper leg 2
Eye 1
Abrasion 36
Lower leg/foot 18
+13
Lower arm/hand 7
+2
Head 5
Whole body 2
Chest 1
Face 1
Hip/upper leg 1
Neck 1
Shoulder/upper arm 1
Pain/Nausea 10
Whole body 4
Neck 2
Back 1
Face 1
Hip/upper leg 1
Lower leg/foot 1
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Oct 31, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in University Heights (South)-Morris Heights?

Preventable Speeding in University Heights (South)-Morris Heights School Zones

(since 2022)
Two young men die on the Bronx River Parkway. The night goes quiet, then sirens.

Two young men die on the Bronx River Parkway. The night goes quiet, then sirens.

University Heights (South)-Morris Heights: Jan 1, 2022 - Aug 25, 2025

Two men are dead.

Police say a 21‑year‑old in a Mercedes tried to pass on the Bronx River Parkway near Gun Hill Road around 1 a.m., clipped a Volkswagen, then hit two bikes. The riders were thrown to the road and later died at local hospitals. Officials named them as Manuel Amarantepenalo, 19, and Enrique Martinez, 21, both from the Bronx, in early reports from Monday. The southbound lanes closed for hours. One man was taken into custody at the scene. Later, prosecutors charged him with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. He is 21. His name is Mauricio Neyra Yuyes, of White Plains, according to charging documents and police briefings. He was released without bail as the case moves.

Gothamist wrote: “Police have arrested and charged a man with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated in a multivehicle crash on a Bronx highway that killed two people.” It also reported a criminal complaint noting “a strong odor of alcohol on his breath” and that he stood unsteadily after the crash. Family members faced the court the next day. One sister said: “He was drunk. Think about how he took two lives.”

“Two men on motorcycles were killed,” NYPD told CBS. Police later clarified the machines as mopeds in early statements; other reports said scooters. Two lives, either way. The road did not care.

Night after night, the math does not bend

In University Heights (South)–Morris Heights, nights are when bodies break. From midnight to 2 a.m., crashes pile up, with two deaths logged in that window. Another fatal hour comes at 6 a.m., then 6 p.m., then 11 p.m. That drumbeat is in the city’s own ledger. Most injuries hit people inside cars. But pedestrians take the hardest blows: four killed here since 2022, 122 hurt. Bicyclists, 57 injured. Moped and other small‑motor riders, two dozen injured. No armor. No margin.

The worst corridors are named. The Major Deegan Expressway shows two deaths and 148 injuries. Jerome Avenue shows one death and 55 injuries. A man was killed walking on the Deegan in June 2024. Another pedestrian died at a Deegan ramp in 2023. A 44‑year‑old woman died on Macombs Road this month. Each case is a line in a spreadsheet. Each line is a life.

The city tags causes as “other” for most deaths here. Inattention is next. Speed is listed in a few injuries. Labels don’t stop steel.

Two riders down. A system shrugs

Police said the Parkway crash started with a pass that failed. Then a hit. Then two more. The men were ejected and died. The driver was charged and released pending the case. “My client is prepared to contest these charges,” his lawyer said. The highway reopened. Morning traffic filled the gap.

Families came to court. “Two people were killed,” a sister said. “He was drunk.” The words hung there. The case may change. The dead do not.

Where the Bronx breaks, what would actually stop it?

Pick the simple fixes first. Daylight corners so drivers can see. Harden turns. Give walkers a head start. Focus on the repeat hotspots: the Major Deegan and Jerome Avenue. Work the nights, when the bodies stack up.

Then do what the law already permits. Lower speeds. Everywhere. Albany gave the city that lever with Sammy’s Law. The city can set safer limits. It has not done so citywide. Start there.

Stop the worst drivers from ever hitting this fast. The Senate moved a bill to force speed limiters on chronic violators. Assembly leaders have matching language. Sponsors say it targets those who rack up tickets and points and keep going. If a car can’t go 40 in a 30, a lot of funerals vanish.

The road keeps its count. Two young men this week. Others before them. The numbers don’t weep. People do.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Yudelka Tapia
Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia
District 86
District Office:
2175C Jerome Ave., Bronx, NY 10453
Legislative Office:
Room 551, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Pierina Ana Sanchez
Council Member Pierina Ana Sanchez
District 14
District Office:
2065 Morris Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453
347-590-2874
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1816, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7074
Twitter: @PiSanchezNYC
Robert Jackson
State Senator Robert Jackson
District 31
District Office:
5030 Broadway Suite 701, New York, NY 10034
Legislative Office:
Room 306, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

University Heights (South)-Morris Heights University Heights (South)-Morris Heights sits in Bronx, Precinct 46, District 14, AD 86, SD 31, Bronx CB5.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for University Heights (South)-Morris Heights

27
NYPD Pursuit Ends In Fatal Crash

Apr 27 - Francisco Guzman Parra died in a burning car after a police chase in Inwood. Officers left the scene unreported. Family demands answers. Two investigations run. Streets stay dangerous. System failed to protect. The dead remain silent.

CBS New York reported on April 27, 2025, that Francisco Andres Guzman Parra, 31, died after crashing a stolen vehicle on Dyckman Street in Manhattan following an NYPD pursuit. The article states, "NYPD sources said the two officers in pursuit returned to their stationhouse without reporting the crash." The FDNY later found Guzman Parra dead in the burning car. Patrick Hendry of the Police Benevolent Association claimed officers "lost sight of the car and did not know it crashed," but the family's attorney, Jeremy Feigenbaum, said their investigation "has not corroborated the officers' claim." The officers remain on leave as both the NYPD and the New York attorney general's office investigate. The case raises questions about police pursuit protocols and reporting failures.


26
Bronx Carjacking Leaves Man Critically Injured

Apr 26 - A man clung to his car as a thief sped off. The driver sideswiped a parked car. The victim fell, suffering head trauma and a shattered leg. He faces amputation. The car was found abandoned. The street bears old scars.

NY Daily News reported on April 26, 2025, that a 32-year-old man in Pelham Bay, Bronx, was critically injured after trying to stop a carjacker. Surveillance video shows the victim sprinting to his double-parked Infiniti as a suspect entered and sped away. The suspect sideswiped a parked car, knocking the victim to the street. He suffered head trauma and a fractured leg, and may require amputation. The article quotes a local, 'This has absolutely happened before,' highlighting repeated car thefts in the area. The car was later found abandoned. The incident underscores persistent dangers for bystanders and the ongoing threat of vehicle theft in city neighborhoods.


24
Bronx Car Theft Leaves Man Critically Hurt

Apr 24 - A man clung to his car as a thief sped off. The car crashed into parked vehicles. He was crushed and struck again by a fleeing SUV. Blood pooled on the Bronx street. He was left with critical head and leg injuries.

ABC7 reported on April 24, 2025, that a 32-year-old man suffered critical injuries while trying to stop a car thief on Wilkinson Avenue in the Bronx. Surveillance video captured the suspect entering the double-parked Infiniti as the owner ran to intervene. The man was dragged for a block and a half before the car crashed into parked vehicles. ABC7 notes, 'Witnesses described a bloody scene and severe leg injury.' After falling, the victim was also struck by the suspect’s SUV. Police said the suspect abandoned the stolen car and fled on foot. The incident highlights the dangers of vehicle theft and high-speed flight on city streets. No arrests have been made.


19
SUV Strikes Pedestrian at W Tremont Intersection

Apr 19 - SUV hit a 19-year-old man in the Bronx. He took the impact to his hip and leg. Police say the crash happened during a pursuit. The street stayed hard and cold.

A 19-year-old pedestrian was injured at the intersection of W Tremont Ave and University Ave in the Bronx. According to the police report, a Ford SUV struck the man during a police pursuit. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and hip and upper leg injuries but remained conscious. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors beyond the pursuit. No other injuries were reported. The driver was licensed and wore a lap belt. The crash underscores the danger faced by people on foot when cars and police chases meet on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826380 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
15
Ambulance, Truck Crash Injures Three Bronx

Apr 15 - Steel met steel at dawn. The box truck flipped. Three people hurt—two in the ambulance, one in the truck. Sirens wailed. All went to Jacobi. The cause is still a question. The Bronx street stayed dangerous.

ABC7 reported on April 15, 2025, that an ambulance and a box truck collided at Pelham Parkway South and Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx just after 6:30 a.m. The article states, "The box truck overturned in the crash. Three people were hurt: the box truck driver and two ambulance workers." All were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause remains under investigation. The crash highlights risks at busy intersections and the potential for severe outcomes when large vehicles collide. No driver actions have been detailed yet. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns for workers and drivers on city streets.


12
Box Trucks Collide on Major Deegan Expressway

Apr 12 - Two box trucks crashed on the Major Deegan. Both drivers hurt. One struck in the head, the other in the back. Police cite driver distraction. Metal and flesh met at speed.

Two box trucks collided on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. According to the police report, both drivers were injured—one suffered a head injury, the other a back injury. The crash was caused by driver inattention or distraction, as listed in the report. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report does not mention any other contributing factors. The force of the impact left both drivers conscious but hurt. The data lists no further details about safety equipment or signals.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806757 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
12
Police Chase Ends Inwood Crash Death

Apr 12 - A stolen car slammed into a Manhattan building. Flames followed. The driver, Francisco Guzman Parra, died on impact. His family waited days for answers. Police actions now face scrutiny. The city counts another life lost to speed and steel.

The New York Times (April 12, 2025) reports on the death of Francisco Guzman Parra after a stolen Honda CRV crashed into a building in Inwood, Manhattan. The crash followed a police chase; two officers involved were suspended pending investigation. The article notes, "The police are investigating whether the officers left the scene without reporting the crash." The medical examiner found Guzman Parra died from blunt impact and thermal injuries. The NYPD force investigation unit and state attorney general are reviewing the incident. The police have not disclosed why the chase began or details about the pursuit. The case highlights ongoing questions about police pursuit policies and the dangers that follow high-speed chases through city streets.


10
Int 1105-2024 Sanchez votes yes, boosting street safety transparency and project accountability.

Apr 10 - Council passed a law forcing DOT to post sharp, regular updates on street safety projects. Progress on bike lanes, bus lanes, and signals must go public. No more hiding delays or cost overruns. The city must show its work.

Bill Int 1105-2024, now enacted, came through the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Introduced November 13, 2024, it passed Council on April 10, 2025, and became law May 10, 2025. The bill's title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code...in relation to tracking progress made towards the requirements of the streets master plan.' Council Member Julie Won led sponsorship, joined by Brooks-Powers, Hanif, Ayala, and others. The law demands DOT post annual and monthly updates on every project tied to the master plan—listing details, timelines, funding, and setbacks. This law brings sunlight to street safety work, making the city answer for every mile and missed deadline.


6
Bronx Hospital Worker Killed Crossing Street

Apr 6 - Inza Fofana left work, crossed E. 149th Street. A van hit him midblock. Two more cars struck as he lay in the road. Medics rushed him back to Lincoln Hospital. He died. His family mourns. The intersection stays dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 6, 2025, that Inza Fofana, a 52-year-old hospital cleaner and immigrant, was fatally struck after his shift at Lincoln Hospital. The crash occurred midblock at E. 149th St. and Morris Ave. Police said a 2019 Ford Transit van, turning left, hit Fofana as he crossed. The article quotes his sister-in-law: "He was going to buy socks. That's why he crossed the street." Police told the family that after the initial impact, two more vehicles struck Fofana. The driver remained at the scene and faced no immediate charges. Family members called for more safety measures at the busy intersection, noting, "There has to be a cross guard over there for the pedestrian to cross the street safely." The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians at wide, high-traffic Bronx crossings.


2
Sedans Collide on Major Deegan Expressway

Apr 2 - Two sedans struck on Major Deegan. One driver suffered head injury and shock. Police cite driver inattention. Metal, glass, pain. The system failed to protect.

Two sedans crashed on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. One driver, a 42-year-old woman, suffered a head injury and concussion, and was in shock. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. Three other occupants, including another driver and two passengers, were listed with unspecified injuries. The report details damage to the right rear bumper of one sedan and the center front end of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The only listed contributing factor is driver inattention.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803727 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
2
Improper Turn Injures Driver on Deegan Ramp

Apr 2 - A sedan turned wrong on the Major Deegan Expressway ramp. The driver, a 50-year-old woman, suffered a back contusion. Police cite improper turning as the cause. The crash left her bruised but conscious.

A crash on the Major Deegan Expressway ramp in the Bronx left a 50-year-old woman, driving a sedan, injured with a back contusion. According to the police report, the collision was caused by 'Turning Improperly.' The driver was conscious at the scene and wore a lap belt. No other injuries were reported. Police listed 'Turning Improperly' as the main contributing factor. No mention of helmet or signal use was made in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806461 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
26
Bronx Bicyclist Injured in Improper Lane Use Crash

Mar 26 - A 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured on West Tremont Avenue in the Bronx. The crash involved improper passing or lane usage. The rider suffered abrasions to his elbow and lower arm but remained conscious and helmeted at the time of impact.

According to the police report, a 35-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash on West Tremont Avenue in the Bronx at 8:57 pm. The bicyclist, who was the sole occupant of his bike, sustained abrasions to his elbow and lower arm and remained conscious after the collision. The report identifies "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as a primary contributing factor to the crash, highlighting driver error related to lane control. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but no victim behavior was cited as a contributing factor. The vehicle's pre-crash action was "Avoiding Object in Roadway," and impact occurred at the bike's center front end. This incident underscores the dangers posed by improper lane usage in urban cycling environments.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
25
Bronx SUV Hits Moped, Passenger Ejected

Mar 25 - SUV dodged debris, struck moped. Impact flipped the bike. Seventeen-year-old passenger thrown, left with leg wounds. Driver inattention and road hazards fueled the crash.

According to the police report, a northbound SUV on Harrison Avenue in the Bronx struck a northbound moped while trying to avoid debris. The SUV's left front bumper hit the moped's center front end. The moped overturned, ejecting a 17-year-old male passenger. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Obstruction/Debris' as contributing factors. The passenger rode without safety equipment, but the crash stemmed from driver inattention and roadway hazards.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801842 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
22
Hit-and-Run Kills Driver on Deegan

Mar 22 - A black Mercedes struck a southbound driver from behind on the Major Deegan. The Mercedes driver fled on foot. The victim died at St. Barnabas. Police closed lanes to investigate. The search for the fleeing driver continues.

ABC7 reported on March 22, 2025, that a deadly hit-and-run occurred around 3:45 a.m. on the Major Deegan Expressway near West Fordham Road in the Bronx. According to the NYPD, 'a 39-year-old man was driving southbound on the expressway when he was struck by a black Mercedes Benz sedan from behind.' The Mercedes driver exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot, leaving the victim critically injured. First responders took the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died. All southbound lanes were closed for the investigation. The incident highlights the ongoing danger of hit-and-run crashes and the challenges police face in holding fleeing drivers accountable.


17
SUV Reverses Into Eastbound Bicyclist

Mar 17 - A bicyclist riding east on West Burnside Avenue was struck from behind by a reversing SUV. The cyclist suffered injuries to his entire body and was left in shock. The SUV was stationary before impact, indicating driver error in vehicle movement.

According to the police report, at 12:23 PM on West Burnside Avenue, a 45-year-old male bicyclist traveling east was hit in the center back end by a 2017 Ford SUV that was parked before the crash. The bicyclist sustained injuries to his entire body and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The point of impact on the SUV was its center back end, indicating the vehicle moved backward into the cyclist. The report lists no contributing factors from the bicyclist but notes unspecified contributing factors overall. The SUV driver’s action of reversing or moving while parked caused the collision. No helmet or other safety equipment was used by the bicyclist, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver errors involving parked vehicles moving unexpectedly into vulnerable road users.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799540 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
13
Sedan Rear-Ends Slowing Vehicle on University Ave

Mar 13 - A sedan struck the left rear quarter panel of a slowing vehicle on University Avenue in the Bronx. The driver of the struck vehicle suffered back injuries and whiplash. Police cite following too closely and pedestrian confusion as contributing factors.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:36 on University Avenue in the Bronx. A 2019 Chevrolet sedan traveling north was slowing or stopping when it was hit on the left rear quarter panel by another sedan. The impact caused damage to the left rear bumper of the slowing vehicle and the right front bumper of the striking vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 59-year-old man, sustained back injuries and complained of whiplash. The report identifies 'Following Too Closely' as a driver error contributing to the collision. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' is noted as a contributing factor, though it is unclear how this influenced the crash. Both drivers were licensed. The report does not assign blame to the injured driver but highlights driver error and confusion as key elements in the crash.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798917 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
25
Improper Turn by Sedan Injures Pedestrian

Feb 25 - Sedan turned left on Washington Bridge Connector Road. Driver failed. Pedestrian, 59, struck. She suffered shock and injury. Impact hit left front bumper. System failed to protect her.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling south on Washington Bridge Connector Road made a left turn and struck a 59-year-old woman crossing the street. The report lists 'Turning Improperly' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as driver errors. The impact was at the car’s left front bumper. The pedestrian was injured and experienced shock. No contributing factors were attributed to the pedestrian. The crash underscores the danger of improper turns and distracted driving for people on foot.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794884 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-04
25
Teen Killed, Girl Hurt In Bronx Crash

Feb 25 - A motorbike slammed into a minivan at a Bronx corner. An 18-year-old boy died. A 14-year-old girl survived. Both were thrown from the bike. The driver stayed. The street held the wreckage. Police are still investigating.

According to the New York Post (published February 25, 2025), an 18-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl were riding a motorbike east on East 172nd Street when they collided with a northbound Honda Odyssey at Metcalf Avenue in the Bronx. The article states: “Both teens were thrown from the bike and rushed to Jacobi Hospital. The older victim succumbed to his injuries while the girl was in stable condition.” The 42-year-old minivan driver remained at the scene. No arrests were made as police continued to investigate the crash circumstances. The report highlights the violent impact at a city intersection and shows the aftermath: a cracked windshield and a bike on its side. The cause and contributing factors remain under review.


14
A 5440 Tapia co-sponsors bill boosting street safety by holding vehicle owners liable.

Feb 14 - Assembly bill A 5440 targets reckless drivers. It makes car owners pay when their vehicles run red lights. Cameras catch the lawbreakers. The aim: fewer crashes, safer streets for all.

Assembly bill A 5440 was introduced on February 14, 2025, and is in the sponsorship stage. The bill, titled "Imposes owner liability for failure of an operator to comply with traffic control indicators within the city of New York," seeks to hold vehicle owners accountable when their cars violate traffic signals, using camera enforcement. Assembly Member Steven Raga sponsors the bill, joined by Rebecca Seawright, Tony Simone, Yudelka Tapia, Karines Reyes, and Marcela Mitaynes as co-sponsors. No safety analyst note is available. The bill aims to curb dangerous driving and protect vulnerable road users by making owners answer for violations caught on camera.


13
Int 1160-2025 Sanchez votes yes on pavement markings bill, boosting street safety citywide.

Feb 13 - Council orders DOT to repaint pavement lines within five days after resurfacing. Delays must be explained to the public. Clear markings mean fewer deadly gaps for walkers and riders.

Int 1160-2025, now enacted, passed the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and full Council in February 2025. The law demands the Department of Transportation install pavement markings or temporary lines within five business days after any street resurfacing. If DOT misses the deadline, it must notify the public and explain the delay. The bill’s matter title: 'A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to installing pavement markings.' Council Member Farah N. Louis led as primary sponsor, joined by Brannan, Schulman, Banks, Farías, Carr, and Ariola. The law took effect March 15, 2025. Timely markings close the deadly window when streets lack crosswalks and lanes, protecting people on foot and bike.