Feb 27 - A firefighter, drunk and high, sped through a red light at 83 mph. He smashed into Justin Diaz’s BMW. Diaz died. The crash tore a family apart. The driver walked free on bail. The street stayed deadly.

NY Daily News reported on February 27, 2025, that off-duty FDNY firefighter Michael Pena, 28, killed 23-year-old Justin Diaz in Queens. Prosecutors said Pena was drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and driving 83 mph in a 25 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Diaz’s BMW. Surveillance footage showed the Mercedes 'barreled through an East Elmhurst intersection' at 4:15 a.m. Diaz, headed to work at LaGuardia, died at the scene. Pena refused a breath test; a blood draw later confirmed drug use. He was charged with vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and refusal to submit to testing, but posted $50,000 bail. The article highlights family grief and outrage at bail laws, quoting Diaz’s brother: 'Pena will walk the streets for a $50,000 bail... Justin will never walk the streets again.'

• Drunk Firefighter Kills Driver In Queens, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-27

Feb 26 - A BMW driver ran the red on Northern Boulevard. Metal screamed as a Mercedes struck head-on. The 23-year-old behind the wheel died, unbelted. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent, marked by violence and disregard.

A violent collision unfolded at the corner of Northern Boulevard and 107th Street in Queens. According to the police report, a BMW sedan 'ran the red,' disregarding traffic control. The report lists 'Alcohol Involvement' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as contributing factors. The BMW was struck head-on by a Mercedes sedan traveling straight. The 23-year-old BMW driver, unbelted and alone, was killed behind the wheel. The impact was severe enough that a parked Toyota SUV was also damaged. The police narrative describes the aftermath: 'Metal screamed. A parked Toyota caught the edge. The street fell silent.' The report does not cite any victim behavior as a contributing factor. The crash underscores the deadly consequences of driver actions—specifically, running a red light and alcohol involvement.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795252 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 24 - A 73-year-old woman suffered serious hip and upper leg injuries after an SUV struck her at an intersection on 30 Ave in Queens. The driver’s inattention and unsafe speed caused the collision as the pedestrian crossed without signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:52 on 30 Ave near 89 St in Queens. A 73-year-old female pedestrian was crossing the intersection when she was hit by a westbound SUV. The vehicle impacted the pedestrian at the center front end, causing injuries to her hip and upper leg. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal pain. The report cites the driver’s inattention and unsafe speed as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk indication, but the primary causes identified relate to the driver’s failure to maintain attention and control. No other driver errors or victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794874 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 21 - Two sedans traveling east collided at 34 Avenue in Queens. The impact struck the center back end of one vehicle and the center front end of the other. One driver suffered a back injury but remained conscious and restrained.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 19:20 in Queens near 102-04 34 Avenue involving two sedans traveling eastbound. The point of impact was the center back end of a 2017 GMC and the center front end of a 2010 Honda. The driver of one vehicle, a 52-year-old male occupant, was injured with back pain but remained conscious and was wearing a lap belt and harness. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor, indicating driver error as a primary cause. Both drivers were licensed in New York. There is no indication of victim fault or other contributing factors. The collision's damage and injury highlight the dangers of distracted driving in urban settings.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4794313 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 20 - Two SUVs collided on 99th Street in Queens as one struck the other from behind. The 73-year-old driver suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Slippery pavement contributed to the crash, according to the police report.

According to the police report, at 6:50 PM on 99th Street in Queens, a 2017 Hyundai SUV traveling north rear-ended a 2011 Jeep SUV also traveling north. The point of impact was the center back end of the Jeep and the center front end of the Hyundai. The 73-year-old female driver of the Jeep sustained neck injuries described as whiplash and was conscious at the scene. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor to the collision. Both drivers were licensed and traveling straight ahead. The crash shows the dangers posed by road conditions and driver inability to adjust, resulting in a rear-end collision that injured a vulnerable occupant.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793927 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 18 - A tanker swung right on Northern Boulevard, striking a 31-year-old e-bike rider moving straight. The truck’s bumper crushed the man’s knee and foot. The tanker rolled on. The rider stayed down, battered and conscious, helmetless in the street.

At the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street in Queens, a collision unfolded between a tanker truck and an e-bike, according to the police report. The tanker was making a right turn while the e-bike rider, a 31-year-old man, continued straight. The police report states the truck’s right front bumper struck the e-bike, crushing the rider’s knee and foot. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor, highlighting a critical driver error. The e-bike rider was not wearing a helmet, as noted in the report, but this is mentioned only after the driver’s failure to yield. The tanker sustained no damage, while the e-bike was damaged at the center front end. The man remained conscious at the scene, suffering serious crush injuries. The report’s narrative underscores the violence of the impact and the vulnerability of those outside steel and glass.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793495 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 17 - A 34-year-old male driver suffered chest injuries and shock in a Queens crash. The SUV, traveling east, struck another vehicle while parked. The driver was restrained by a lap belt and complained of pain and nausea after impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:05 AM in Queens on 37 Ave near 74 St. The injured party was a 34-year-old male driver of an SUV traveling east. The vehicle struck a parked vehicle with its left front bumper, causing damage to the SUV's front left. The driver was not ejected and was restrained by a lap belt. He sustained chest injuries and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were cited as contributing factors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4793287 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 15 - A moped traveling east struck a 29-year-old female pedestrian outside an intersection on 31 Ave in Queens. The pedestrian suffered contusions and lower leg injuries. Police cite driver inattention and slippery pavement as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, a moped traveling east on 31 Ave in Queens collided with a 29-year-old female pedestrian who was in the roadway but not at an intersection. The pedestrian sustained injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot, including contusions and bruises, and remained conscious after the impact. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Pavement Slippery' as contributing factors to the crash. The moped's point of impact was the center front end, indicating the driver failed to avoid the pedestrian. The driver was licensed and traveling straight ahead at the time. No pedestrian behaviors were listed as contributing factors. This incident highlights the dangers posed by driver distraction and hazardous road conditions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 14 - A 63-year-old man was injured crossing Northern Boulevard outside an intersection. The sedan, traveling east, struck him with its left front bumper. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg injuries and remained conscious after the impact.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on Northern Boulevard in Queens struck a 63-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing outside an intersection without a signal or crosswalk. The point of impact was the vehicle's left front bumper, causing injuries to the pedestrian's knee, lower leg, and foot. The pedestrian was conscious and complained of internal pain. The report lists unspecified contributing factors but does not cite any driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. No pedestrian behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The collision highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing mid-block, with the vehicle's front-left impact indicating the pedestrian was likely in the vehicle's travel path.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792916 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 14 - A 15-year-old boy suffered upper arm injuries and shock after an SUV struck him at a Queens intersection. The driver, making a right turn, failed to pay attention, causing the collision despite the pedestrian crossing legally with the signal.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 8:11 AM on 80th Street near Astoria Boulevard in Queens. A 15-year-old male pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a Nissan SUV, traveling south and making a right turn, struck him with the right front bumper. The pedestrian sustained an upper arm injury and was in shock, complaining of pain and nausea. The report explicitly cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The vehicle sustained no damage, indicating the impact was likely at low speed but still caused significant injury. The pedestrian was not at fault, as he was crossing legally with the signal. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792666 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 14 - Three sedans collided eastbound on Grand Central Parkway, causing head injuries to a 69-year-old male driver. The crash involved rear-end impacts amid slippery pavement conditions. The driver remained conscious but suffered abrasions and head trauma.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 6:00 AM on Grand Central Parkway involving three sedans traveling eastbound. The vehicles were stopped in traffic when the collision occurred, with impact centered on the back ends of two vehicles and the front end of the third. The report cites slippery pavement as a contributing factor. A 69-year-old male driver, occupant of one sedan, sustained head injuries and abrasions but was conscious at the scene. The driver was properly restrained with a lap belt and harness, and the air bag deployed. No driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding were explicitly noted in the report. The crash highlights the systemic danger posed by hazardous road conditions leading to multi-vehicle collisions.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792760 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 14 - 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

Feb 12 - Two SUVs collided on 104 Street in Queens, injuring both drivers and a front passenger. Both drivers were distracted, causing a side-impact crash. Neck injuries and shock were reported. The crash left both vehicles damaged and occupants shaken.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on 104 Street near 32 Avenue in Queens at 13:39. Two station wagons/SUVs collided: a 2008 Chevrolet traveling west and a 2019 Honda traveling south. Both vehicles were going straight ahead when the collision occurred. The point of impact was the center front end of the Chevrolet and the left side doors of the Honda. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for both drivers. The Honda carried two occupants: an 18-year-old female driver and a 19-year-old female front passenger, both injured with neck injuries and in shock. Both occupants were restrained with lap belts and harnesses and were not ejected. The Chevrolet had one male driver, licensed in NY. The collision caused visible damage to both vehicles and resulted in injury severity level 3 for the Honda occupants. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4792310 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 8 - An 8-year-old boy suffered hip and upper leg injuries after a Jeep SUV struck him in Queens. The driver, distracted and inexperienced, hit the pedestrian while traveling southbound. The child was left in shock, complaining of pain and nausea.

According to the police report, a Jeep SUV traveling southbound on Elmhurst Avenue struck an 8-year-old male pedestrian, causing injuries to his hip and upper leg. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors to the collision. The pedestrian, who was not at fault, suffered a complaint of pain or nausea and was left in shock. The point of impact was the center front end of the vehicle, which sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle going straight ahead. This crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted and inexperienced drivers to vulnerable pedestrians in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4791209 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Feb 8 - A car struck an underpass on Belt Parkway. Metal twisted. A woman, 27, died at the hospital. A man survived. Police do not know who drove. The wreck left questions. The system failed to protect its passengers.

According to NY Daily News (published February 8, 2025), a single-car crash on Queens’ Belt Parkway killed a 27-year-old woman and injured a 30-year-old man. The white Toyota sedan hit an underpass near 225th Street around 3:50 a.m. Both occupants were found outside the wreck when police arrived. Investigators are unsure who was driving at the time of impact: 'Since both occupants were out of the car at the time of the crash, investigators haven't figured out who was driving, police said.' The woman died at Long Island Jewish Hospital-Valley Stream; the man was expected to survive. The article highlights ongoing uncertainty about driver identity and underscores the persistent risks on city highways, especially where loss of vehicle control leads to deadly outcomes. The investigation continues.

• Woman Killed In Queens Parkway Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-08

Feb 5 - A man slammed his Mercedes into a stopped car on the Whitestone Expressway. The impact threw an MTA worker onto the pavement. The driver ran. The worker died. Police found the abandoned car. The driver had no license.

NY Daily News reported on February 5, 2025, that James Vennitti, 63, was arrested for a deadly hit-and-run on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. On February 10, 2024, Vennitti allegedly rear-ended David Berney, 43, after Berney and another driver stopped in the middle lane following a minor collision. The crash threw Berney from his car, killing him at the scene. The other driver was injured. Vennitti, unlicensed, abandoned his Mercedes and fled on foot. Police arrested him a year later. A grand jury indicted Vennitti for leaving the scene of a fatal crash and driving without a license. The case highlights the lethal risk of unlicensed driving and the dangers of stopped vehicles on high-speed roads.

• Unlicensed Driver Flees Queens Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-05

Feb 1 - A 64-year-old man crossing outside a crosswalk in Queens was struck by a motorscooter traveling east. The pedestrian suffered a fractured elbow and dislocation. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, leaving the victim injured but conscious.

According to the police report, a motorscooter traveling east on 96-08 37 Avenue in Queens struck a 64-year-old male pedestrian who was crossing the street outside a crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained a fracture and dislocation to his lower arm and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The motorscooter was going straight ahead at the time of impact, which occurred at the center front end of the vehicle. The pedestrian was conscious after the collision. There was no vehicle damage reported. The pedestrian’s crossing outside a crosswalk is noted but not listed as a contributing factor. The crash highlights the dangers posed by distracted drivers to vulnerable road users in Queens.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789629 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 30 - A 41-year-old woman suffered arm injuries after a sedan failed to yield while making a right turn in Queens. The driver’s inexperience and failure to yield right-of-way caused the collision at an intersection where the pedestrian had the crossing signal.

According to the police report, a 41-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 108 St and 37 Dr in Queens at 13:01. The pedestrian was crossing with the signal when a 2012 Chevrolet sedan, driven by a licensed female driver, made a right turn and struck her with the vehicle's right front bumper. The report cites 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inexperience' as contributing factors. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to her elbow, lower arm, and hand, remaining conscious after the impact. Vehicle damage was limited to the right front bumper. The collision highlights critical driver errors, specifically the failure to yield to a pedestrian lawfully crossing, underscoring systemic dangers at intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789322 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 29 - A sedan rear-ended a stopped vehicle on Grand Central Parkway. The driver of the struck car suffered neck injuries and whiplash. Police cite driver inattention and distraction as the cause. Both vehicles were traveling eastbound at the time of impact.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 17:53 on Grand Central Parkway involving two sedans traveling east. One sedan was stopped in traffic when the following sedan failed to stop and collided with the center back end of the stopped vehicle. The driver of the struck vehicle, a 36-year-old female occupant, was conscious but injured, suffering neck pain and whiplash. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor for the collision. The driver of the rear vehicle did not maintain attention, causing the rear-end impact. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt and was not ejected. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4789321 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12

Jan 24 - A sedan making a left turn struck a 52-year-old man crossing 23 Ave at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The pedestrian suffered head injuries and bruises. Driver inattention caused the collision, highlighting dangers at busy Queens intersections.

According to the police report, a 2018 Mercedes sedan traveling northwest on 23 Ave was making a left turn when it struck a 52-year-old male pedestrian crossing at a marked crosswalk without a signal. The point of impact was the vehicle's center front end. The pedestrian sustained head injuries and contusions, classified as injury severity level 3, and remained conscious. The report identifies 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication that the pedestrian's actions contributed to the collision. The driver's failure to maintain attention while executing the turn directly led to the pedestrian's injury, underscoring systemic risks posed by distracted driving in Queens intersections.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4788070 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-12-12