Blood on the Crosswalks: City Inaction Is Killing Our Neighbors

A speeding Mercedes ran a red in Queens. The driver, high and drunk, struck a young airport worker headed to his job. The worker died. Two passengers survived. The driver, a probationary firefighter, now faces manslaughter charges.

NY Daily News reported on March 28, 2025, that Michael Pena, a probationary FDNY firefighter, was fired after being charged with vehicular manslaughter in a Queens crash. Prosecutors said Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and struck Justin Diaz, 23, who had the right-of-way. Pena's blood-alcohol content was 0.156%, nearly double the legal limit, and he tested positive for cocaine and marijuana. The article states, 'Pena was driving nearly 60 mph above the speed limit after a night of drinking at a bar.' Surveillance footage confirmed the sequence. Two passengers in Pena's car were hospitalized. The crash highlights ongoing risks from impaired and reckless driving, even among public servants.

• Firefighter Charged After Fatal Queens Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-28

A 19-year-old pedestrian was struck by a northbound garbage truck on 61st Street in Queens. The impact injured the pedestrian’s knee and lower leg. The pedestrian was crossing against the signal when the truck’s right front bumper made contact.

According to the police report, a garbage truck traveling north on 61st Street in Queens struck a 19-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing against the signal. The truck’s right front bumper was the point of impact, causing injuries to the pedestrian’s knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The pedestrian was conscious and suffered abrasions. The report identifies the pedestrian’s action of crossing against the signal but does not list any contributing driver errors explicitly. The truck driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time of the collision. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when struck. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but highlights the pedestrian’s crossing behavior as a factor. No victim blame is implied; the focus remains on the hazardous conditions created by the vehicle-pedestrian interaction.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801533 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 70-year-old male SUV driver sustained a concussion and head injury after crashing on defective pavement in Queens. The vehicle's left front bumper was damaged. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle.

According to the police report, a 70-year-old male driver operating a 2018 Chevrolet SUV in Queens suffered a head injury and concussion after a crash at 3:22 AM near 42-50 21st Street. The report cites 'Pavement Defective' as the contributing factor, indicating road conditions played a critical role. The vehicle impacted with its left front bumper, sustaining damage in that area. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness and was not ejected from the vehicle. The report does not indicate any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding, but highlights the defective pavement as the primary cause of the crash and injury.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800805 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A sedan turned right and struck a cyclist riding straight on Queens Blvd. The rider was thrown, suffering knee and leg injuries. No victim error listed. The crash shows the threat turning cars pose to cyclists.

According to the police report, a 21-year-old male bicyclist traveling westbound on 33rd Street was hit by a 2009 Hyundai sedan making a right turn onto Queens Blvd. The sedan's right front bumper struck the bike's center front end. The cyclist was partially ejected and suffered injuries to his knee, lower leg, and foot, including abrasions. He was conscious at the scene and wore a helmet. The sedan driver, a licensed New York woman, was executing the turn when the collision occurred. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but identifies the sedan's turning maneuver as the critical action. No cyclist error is cited. The crash highlights the danger turning vehicles pose to cyclists moving straight through intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799978 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 56-year-old male driver lost consciousness behind the wheel in Queens. His sedan struck multiple parked vehicles. He was injured and incoherent at the scene. The crash caused front-end damage to his vehicle and rear impacts to parked SUVs and vans.

According to the police report, a 56-year-old male driver in Queens lost consciousness while driving his sedan southbound near 34-37 59th Street. The driver was wearing a lap belt and harness but became incoherent and injured during the crash. The sedan's front end struck the center back end of a parked van and the right rear quarter panel of a parked SUV. Additional parked SUVs sustained damage to their rear bumpers and right side doors. The report lists 'Lost Consciousness' as a contributing factor, indicating the driver’s medical condition led to the collision. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were cited. The driver was not ejected and was the only occupant in his vehicle.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799332 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 16-year-old motorcyclist suffered hip and leg injuries after a collision with an SUV on Broadway. The crash involved improper lane usage by the motorcycle driver. The motorcyclist was conscious and wearing a helmet at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on Broadway in Queens at 14:53. A 16-year-old male motorcyclist, operating with a permit, collided with a station wagon/SUV while traveling east. The motorcycle's right front bumper struck the SUV's left front quarter panel. The motorcyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and upper leg and hip injuries, but was not ejected and remained conscious. The report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error by the motorcycle operator. The SUV driver was licensed and was reportedly avoiding an object in the roadway prior to impact. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but no other victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798505 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A car hit a man and a child in Flushing. The man lay trapped under the vehicle. Both went to the hospital. The man’s injuries were critical. The driver stayed at the scene. Police are still investigating.

ABC7 reported on March 13, 2025, that a car struck two pedestrians at 32nd Avenue and 138th Street in Queens. Police found an adult man pinned under the vehicle and a child, aged 8 to 10, also injured. Both were hospitalized, with the man in critical condition. The article states, 'Police responded...and found an adult man pinned under a vehicle.' The driver remained at the scene, and the investigation continues. The crash highlights the ongoing risk to pedestrians at city intersections. No charges or details on driver actions were released at the time of reporting.

• Man And Child Struck In Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-03-13

A sedan collided head-on with an e-bike on Queens’ 11 Street. The 25-year-old bicyclist was ejected, suffering a severe head injury and unconsciousness. Police cited the sedan driver for disregarding traffic control, causing the violent impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:37 on Queens’ 11 Street near 45 Avenue. A 2022 BMW sedan traveling west struck an e-bike traveling north. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 25-year-old male, was ejected from his e-bike and sustained a severe head injury, rendering him unconscious. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as the contributing factor, indicating the sedan driver failed to obey traffic signals or signs. The bicyclist was wearing a helmet, but this was not cited as a contributing factor. No other factors were specified. The sedan had two occupants and the driver was licensed in New York. The collision’s violence and the driver’s disregard for traffic control highlight systemic dangers for vulnerable road users in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798356 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 31-year-old man suffered neck injuries and shock after a Ford SUV making a left turn hit him at a Queens intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal. Driver inattention caused the crash, leaving the victim in pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a Ford SUV traveling south on Jackson Ave was making a left turn when it struck a 31-year-old male pedestrian crossing at the intersection with the signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end, causing neck injuries and shock to the pedestrian, who complained of pain and nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian was not at fault and was crossing legally. The driver, licensed in New York, was alone in the vehicle. Vehicle damage was noted at the center front end, consistent with the collision dynamics. This incident highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving in Queens intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796620 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A drunk, speeding firefighter ran a red light in Queens. He slammed into Justin Diaz’s car. Diaz died. He was 23. His family buried him with his new degree. The firefighter faces charges. The street remains unchanged.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-04), Justin Diaz, 23, was killed when an off-duty FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, sped through a red light at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and struck Diaz’s BMW at 107th St. and Northern Blvd. Diaz was heading to work at LaGuardia Airport. Prosecutors say Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and refused a breath test. His blood-alcohol content was 0.156 percent. Surveillance footage confirmed Diaz had the right-of-way. The article notes, 'The victim had the right-of-way, and Pena ran a steady red light, prosecutors say.' Pena was charged with vehicular manslaughter and DWI. His license was suspended. The case highlights ongoing dangers for New York City road users and questions about bail and accountability for reckless drivers.

• Firefighter Runs Red, Kills Airport Worker, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-04

A distracted pick-up truck driver hit a pedestrian off the roadway in Queens. Both the pedestrian and the driver suffered serious injuries. The truck’s right side was damaged; the pedestrian was bruised but conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, just after midnight in Queens on 48 Street near Skillman Avenue, a 24-year-old licensed male driver traveling south in a 2022 Toyota pick-up truck struck a 45-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway. The truck sustained damage to its right side doors. The driver was semiconscious with injuries to his entire body and complaints of pain or nausea. The pedestrian was conscious but suffered contusions to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. The driver was going straight ahead at the time. No contributing factors were listed for the pedestrian. The collision also involved a sedan, but primary impact and injuries centered on the truck and pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796151 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A distracted SUV driver making a left turn struck a 40-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens. The pedestrian suffered a head contusion but remained conscious. The crash exposed dangers of driver inattention at unsignalized crossings.

According to the police report, a 40-year-old female pedestrian was injured when a 2020 Jeep SUV, driven by a licensed female driver, struck her while making a left turn in Queens near 43-22 69th Street at 5:59 AM. The pedestrian was crossing outside a crosswalk or signal and sustained a head contusion, remaining conscious after the impact. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the center front end of the SUV. No vehicle damage was reported. This incident highlights the critical role of driver distraction in crashes involving vulnerable pedestrians, especially at locations without traffic controls.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A speeding Mercedes tore through a red light in Queens. The driver, off-duty FDNY, struck a BMW. The crash ripped off the roof. The 23-year-old inside died. The firefighter stayed at the scene, reeking of alcohol, unsteady, charged with manslaughter.

ABC7 reported on February 28, 2025, that off-duty firefighter Michael Pena was arraigned after a fatal crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. Prosecutors say Pena drove 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, ran a red light, and t-boned a BMW, killing 23-year-old Justin Diaz. The article quotes DA Melinda Katz: "An FDNY firefighter who was off duty is accused of driving under the influence, running a steady red light and slamming into a 23-year-old motorist, killing him, as he drove more than three times the posted speed limit." Pena's blood alcohol content was .156 percent, and he allegedly had drugs in his system. The BMW was sent flying into a parked car, its roof torn off. Pena faces manslaughter and related charges. The case highlights the lethal risk of extreme speeding and impaired driving on city streets.

• Firefighter Charged After Deadly Queens Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-02-28

A firefighter ran a red. Metal struck metal. A young man died. The street echoed with sirens. Two more rode to the hospital. The city keeps count. The danger stays.

According to the New York Post (February 27, 2025), off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena drove through a red light at Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens, striking Justin Diaz’s car. Surveillance video captured Pena’s Mercedes “passing a red light on Northern Boulevard and T-boning Diaz’s 2022 BMW.” Diaz, 23, died at Elmhurst Hospital. Pena faces charges of vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breath test. Two passengers in Pena’s car were hospitalized. The FDNY suspended Pena for 28 days without pay. The crash highlights the lethal consequences of red-light running and impaired driving, raising questions about enforcement and accountability on city streets.

• Red Light Crash Kills Driver in Queens, New York Post, Published 2025-02-27

A Mercedes ran a red on Northern Boulevard. It hit a BMW. The BMW’s roof tore off. The driver, Justin Diaz, died. The Mercedes driver, off-duty FDNY, was arrested. Friends mourned by candles. The street stayed empty. Speed ruled the night.

ABC7 reported on February 26, 2025, that a fatal crash in East Elmhurst left one driver dead and another in custody. The article states, "It appears the driver of the Mercedes blew a red light and t-boned the BMW at a high rate of speed." The BMW’s driver, Justin Diaz, was killed. The Mercedes driver, an off-duty firefighter, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to take a breathalyzer. The FDNY suspended him without pay. Witnesses noted frequent speeding on the boulevard at night. The crash highlights the persistent risks of high-speed driving and lax overnight enforcement on city streets.

• Red Light Run Kills Ramp Worker, ABC7, Published 2025-02-26

A moped driver suffered knee and lower leg injuries after being struck from behind by an SUV on Broadway in Queens. The crash involved driver errors including reaction to an uninvolved vehicle and following too closely. No vehicle damage was reported.

According to the police report, a collision occurred on Broadway in Queens involving a moped and a station wagon/SUV, both traveling east. The moped driver, a 24-year-old male, was injured with contusions and trauma to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report cites driver errors including "Reaction to Uninvolved Vehicle" and "Following Too Closely" as contributing factors. The moped driver was conscious and not ejected but suffered injury severity level 3. Both vehicles showed no damage despite the impact occurring at the center back end of the moped and the center front end of the SUV. The SUV driver’s failure to maintain safe distance and proper reaction led to the collision. The report does not list any victim behaviors as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794366 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 29-year-old man suffered knee and lower leg injuries after a sedan backed into him on 30 Place in Queens. The driver’s inattention and unsafe backing caused the collision, striking the pedestrian emerging from behind a parked vehicle.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 30 Place in Queens around 11:00 AM. A 29-year-old male pedestrian was injured when a 2018 Toyota sedan traveling south backed into him. The pedestrian was emerging from in front of or behind a parked vehicle when the collision happened. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Backing Unsafely' as contributing factors. The point of impact was the center back end of the sedan, which sustained damage in the same area. The pedestrian suffered contusions and injuries to the knee, lower leg, and foot, classified as injury severity level 3. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle alone. The data highlights the driver's failure to maintain attention and safely back the vehicle, directly causing harm to the vulnerable pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794165 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

Two sedans collided on 49 Ave in Queens at night. Both drivers suffered back injuries and shock. Police cited unsafe speed and driver inattention as causes. Vehicles struck front to rear, leaving damage and pain in their wake.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 22:20 on 49 Ave in Queens involving two sedans traveling north. The first vehicle was going straight ahead when it struck the rear of a parked sedan. Both drivers, men aged 31 and 43, were injured with back pain and shock. The report lists 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. Neither driver was ejected, and safety equipment such as airbags and lap belts were deployed or used. The collision caused damage to the right front bumper of the moving sedan and the center back end of the parked vehicle. This crash highlights the dangers of speeding and distracted driving in urban streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794660 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A 42-year-old woman suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a pick-up truck driver, distracted and inattentive, hit her while she crossed with the signal at a Queens intersection. The truck made a left turn and struck her with its left front bumper.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 69 St and 51 Ave in Queens at 8:37 AM. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2023 Ford pick-up truck, traveling south and making a left turn, struck her with its left front bumper. The driver was cited for 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her hip and upper leg, classified as injury severity 3, and remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The report emphasizes the driver's failure to maintain attention during the maneuver, directly causing the collision. No contributing factors related to the pedestrian's behavior were noted beyond crossing with the signal.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793229 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04

A minivan left the road in Queens. It hit a tree. One woman died. Three others, all seniors, went to the hospital. The crash happened on Brookville Boulevard, near Sunrise Highway. Police are investigating. The road stayed quiet after.

According to the NY Daily News (published February 14, 2025), a minivan from Eunhae Adult Daycare crashed while leaving a senior residence in Queens. The 74-year-old driver 'lost control of the wheel at the Sunrise Highway.' The vehicle veered off Brookville Blvd and struck a tree. Four people were inside, all seniors. One woman in her 70s died after being found unconscious in the back seat. Three others, including the driver, were hospitalized but expected to survive. Police are investigating the cause. The article highlights the dangers faced by passengers in vehicles operated by older drivers and the risks at busy intersections like Brookville Boulevard and Sunrise Highway.

• Minivan Crash Kills Woman, Injures Three, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-14