No More Excuses: Blood on Their Hands, Speed on Our Streets

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.

• Police Chase Ends Inwood Crash Death, The New York Times, Published 2025-04-12

Apr 11 - Including Thursday's deadly crash, 25 people have been killed in New York City sightseeing helicopter accidents in the last 40 years.

• Lawmakers aim to make changes after New York City sightseeing helicopter crash, ABC7, Published 2025-04-11

Apr 7 - A box truck struck a man sitting in the street at West 40th and 9th. The man died at the scene. The driver stayed. Police are investigating. No arrests. The victim’s name is not known.

Patch reported on April 7, 2025, that a man was killed by a box truck at West 40th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. The article states, “Police determined that a box truck, operated by a 75-year-old man, was traveling southbound on 9 Avenue when the vehicle collided with the victim, who was sitting in the roadway.” The driver remained at the scene and was not injured. No arrests have been made. The victim’s identity has not been released. The incident highlights the persistent risk to people in city streets and the need for scrutiny of how large vehicles interact with vulnerable road users. The investigation is ongoing.

• Box Truck Kills Man In Hell's Kitchen, Patch, Published 2025-04-07

Apr 4 - A box truck hit a man on West 59th. The driver dragged him, then left. A yellow cab struck the wounded man as he lay in the street. Medics rushed him to the hospital. He survived. The truck driver now faces charges.

According to the NY Daily News (April 4, 2025), a 59-year-old truck driver, Luis Cedeno Pluas, struck a pedestrian near Central Park on August 31, 2024. The victim, standing in the right-most lane of W. 59th St., was dragged for several feet by the Isuzu box truck. The driver "kept going" after the impact, leaving the man critically injured in the street. A yellow cab then hit the victim as he lay on the roadway. Police charged Cedeno Pluas with leaving the scene of an accident with serious injuries. The article notes the victim's condition has improved and he is expected to recover. The incident highlights the danger of hit-and-run crashes and the vulnerability of people on foot in busy Manhattan corridors.

• Truck Strikes, Drags Man Near Central Park, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-04

Apr 3 - A stolen SUV crashed and burned in Inwood. Two NYPD officers chased, then left the scene. The driver died in the flames. The officers returned to their precinct, silent. Surveillance caught their exit. The city investigates. Policy on chases faces scrutiny.

NY Daily News (2025-04-03) reports two NYPD officers pursued a stolen Honda CR-V into Manhattan. The driver crashed at Dyckman St., and the car caught fire. The officers 'fled the scene, leaving him to die in the fiery wreck,' then returned to their Bronx precinct without reporting the crash. Surveillance footage showed their patrol car leaving. The NYPD suspended both officers and launched an investigation. This comes after new pursuit policies were enacted in February, restricting chases to felony or violent misdemeanor cases. The guidelines aimed to curb 'unnecessary police pursuits that lead to crashes and injure other motorists and pedestrians.' The incident raises questions about adherence to these policies and the risks of police chases in dense urban areas.

• NYPD Officers Flee Scene After Fatal Crash, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-03

Mar 28 - A cyclist rode north through Heckscher Fields and struck a 57-year-old woman standing in his path. The bike hit her head, causing bleeding. She stayed down, conscious but still. The cyclist did not stop. The bike showed no damage.

According to the police report, a 26-year-old man riding a bike northbound in Central Park's Heckscher Fields collided with a 57-year-old woman who was standing in his path. The report states, 'The bike struck her head. Blood ran. She stayed down, conscious but still.' The cyclist did not stop after the crash, and the bike showed no visible damage. The police report lists 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor. No driver-specific errors such as failure to yield or distraction are cited. The cyclist was wearing a helmet and suffered a minor abrasion to his lower leg. The incident highlights confusion and error as systemic dangers in shared park spaces.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802618 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Mar 6 - A stolen minivan tore through Harlem. The driver ran from police. He struck Devon Hughley on a scooter. Hughley died at Harlem Hospital. The driver fled. Police used facial recognition. They arrested Enesin Delarosa. Grief lingers. Memorials remain.

According to the NY Daily News (2025-03-06), Enesin Delarosa, 26, was arrested for fatally striking Devon Hughley, 45, while fleeing an NYPD car stop in Harlem on November 2. The article reports Delarosa was driving a stolen minivan and "allegedly hit Hughley near W.155th St. and St. Nicholas Ave. while fleeing a traffic stop." Delarosa faces charges of manslaughter, leaving the scene, fleeing police, and possession of stolen property. The crash highlights the lethal risk of high-speed police pursuits and the dangers posed by stolen vehicles in dense urban areas. Memorial posters for Hughley remain in his building. The article quotes Hughley's sister, Yvette Palmer: "the arrest brought some peace."

• Scooter Rider Killed Fleeing Traffic Stop, NY Daily News, Published 2025-03-06

Feb 6 - A 90-year-old woman died on York Avenue. A cab made a U-turn and struck her. Another car hit her moments later. She was rushed to the hospital. Both drivers stayed. She did not survive.

According to the New York Post (published February 6, 2025), Frances Rickard, 90, was crossing York Avenue at East 72nd Street around 5:40 p.m. when a yellow taxi, driven by a 68-year-old man, made a U-turn and struck her. Police said, “Moments later, a 35-year-old woman driving a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer also struck her.” Rickard was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she died. Both drivers remained at the scene and have not been charged. The sequence highlights the dangers of U-turns and multi-lane crossings for pedestrians. The intersection saw two vehicles collide with a vulnerable road user in quick succession, underscoring persistent risks in city street design and driver behavior.

• Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing York Avenue, New York Post, Published 2025-02-06

Feb 4 - Tesla tore north on FDR. It struck a guardrail, flipped, split, burned. The woman driver died at the scene. Her passenger flew from the wreck. Firefighters battled battery flames. Northbound lanes shut. Metal, fire, speed, and loss marked the night.

NY Daily News (2025-02-04) reports a deadly crash on Manhattan's FDR Drive. A Tesla, traveling at high speed—witnesses estimated 'at least 120, 130 [mph]'—lost control near E. 70th St. The car struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected. The driver died at the scene; her passenger survived. Firefighters and a hazmat team responded to extinguish the burning lithium-ion battery. The crash shut down northbound lanes. The article highlights excessive speed and the dangers of high-performance vehicles in urban settings. Emergency response was extensive, with 60 firefighters on scene.

• Tesla Crash Kills Woman On FDR Drive, NY Daily News, Published 2025-02-04

Dec 26 - A taxi veered off Sixth Avenue, mounted the curb, and struck a crowd near Herald Square. Three pedestrians, including a child, landed in the hospital. The driver stayed at the scene. Metal, flesh, and concrete met in Midtown’s holiday rush.

Gothamist (2024-12-26) reports a Midtown crash where a taxi driver, experiencing a medical episode, drove onto the sidewalk at Sixth Avenue and West 34th Street, injuring a 9-year-old boy and two women. Police said, 'they did not suspect any criminality in the crash.' The driver, 58, remained at the scene and was taken for evaluation. Four others declined medical attention. The article notes, 'the driver was driving northbound on Sixth Avenue around 3 p.m. on Wednesday when he jumped the curb and plowed into a crowd.' The incident highlights the persistent risk posed by vehicles in crowded pedestrian zones, regardless of intent or driver health. No policy changes were announced.

• Taxi Jumps Curb, Hits Midtown Pedestrians, Gothamist, Published 2024-12-26

Dec 23 - A police car crossed the line. Metal struck flesh. Samuel Williams, riding his dirt bike, was thrown and killed. Body cam footage shows the officer’s move. Another NYPD car tried the same. The city sent Williams’ family a bill.

NY Daily News (2024-12-23) reports that NYPD body camera footage shows an officer veering into the path of Samuel Williams, a 36-year-old dirt bike rider, during a pursuit on the University Heights Bridge. Williams was struck, thrown, and died from his injuries. The article states, “An officer pursuing dirt bikers suddenly crossed the double yellow line into Williams' path, causing a collision.” Another NYPD vehicle attempted a similar maneuver. The family’s attorney called it a “deadly maneuver” for a minor violation. The city later billed Williams’ family for police vehicle damages. The NYPD has not commented, citing litigation. The case raises questions about police pursuit tactics and accountability.

• NYPD Officer Veers Into Dirt Biker’s Path, NY Daily News, Published 2024-12-23

Dec 9 - A 61-year-old woman crossing outside a crosswalk was struck by a backing SUV on West 73rd Street. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, resulting in knee and lower leg abrasions. The pedestrian remained conscious despite her injuries.

According to the police report, a 61-year-old female pedestrian was injured on West 73rd Street near Central Park West when a 2006 Subaru SUV backed eastward and struck her with the vehicle’s left rear bumper. The pedestrian was crossing without a signal or crosswalk at the time. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor to the crash. The pedestrian suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot but remained conscious. The vehicle sustained no damage. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally, but his failure to maintain attention while backing led directly to the collision. No pedestrian fault or contributing behavior was noted in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777466 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Dec 5 - A sedan swung left at Central Park West. Its bumper smashed a cyclist’s face. Blood pooled on the pavement. The cyclist, helmeted, lay semiconscious. The bike twisted, the car’s front crumpled. Sirens silent, the street held its breath.

A crash at the corner of West 69th Street and Central Park West left a 34-year-old male cyclist semiconscious and bleeding from the face, according to the police report. The incident occurred when a sedan, traveling northwest, made a left turn and its left front bumper struck the cyclist, who was riding straight through the intersection. The police report cites 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a contributing factor, placing the focus on the sedan driver's maneuver. The cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. The report notes the cyclist suffered severe facial bleeding and was found semiconscious on the ground. The impact left the bicycle crumpled and the sedan’s front end damaged. No contributing factors related to the cyclist’s actions are listed in the police report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4777485 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Oct 22 - A 54-year-old woman riding north on East Drive was ejected from her bike. She struck hard. Bruises marked her abdomen and pelvis. The crash stemmed from animal action. No driver errors listed.

According to the police report, a 54-year-old female bicyclist was traveling north on East Drive in Manhattan at 6:35 AM when she was ejected from her bike. The report lists 'Animals Action' as the contributing factor. The cyclist suffered contusions and bruises to her abdomen and pelvis. Her injuries were rated as moderate. The point of impact was the center front end of the bike, which also sustained damage. The report notes she was wearing a helmet. No driver errors or other contributing factors were listed beyond the animal-related cause.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4765851 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Sep 6 - A sedan making a right turn struck a westbound bicyclist on East 61 Street in Manhattan. The 25-year-old cyclist suffered abrasions and lower arm injuries. The crash highlights driver inexperience as a key factor in the collision.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 15:10 on East 61 Street near 5 Avenue in Manhattan. A sedan was making a right turn while a bicyclist was traveling westbound straight ahead. The point of impact was the sedan's center front end and the bike's left front quarter panel. The 25-year-old male bicyclist was injured, sustaining abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The police report cites driver inexperience as a contributing factor to the crash. There is no indication of victim fault or contributing behaviors by the bicyclist. Vehicle damage was reported as none. This incident underscores the dangers posed by driver errors, particularly in turning maneuvers involving vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4754123 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 27 - A taxi making a right turn collided with a southbound e-bike on Central Park West. The bicyclist was ejected and suffered head injuries and whiplash. The crash involved improper lane usage by the taxi driver, according to the police report.

At 6:09 AM on Central Park West near West 65 Street in Manhattan, a taxi driver made a right turn and struck a southbound e-bike, according to the police report. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The bicyclist, a 55-year-old man wearing a helmet, was ejected and sustained head injuries and whiplash, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites "Passing or Lane Usage Improper" as the contributing factor, indicating the taxi driver's error. The bicyclist's helmet use is noted but not cited as a contributing factor. The taxi was occupied by a licensed male driver. This collision highlights the dangers posed by improper lane usage during turning maneuvers in dense urban traffic.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4751721 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Aug 17 - E-bike ignored traffic control, hit a 49-year-old man crossing with the signal. The man suffered a head injury and concussion. Driver inattention and disregard for signals led to harm.

According to the police report, a 49-year-old male pedestrian was crossing Central Park West at West 96 Street with the signal when a northbound e-bike struck him head-on. The pedestrian suffered a head injury and concussion, and was found incoherent at the scene. The report cites 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as contributing factors. The e-bike sustained no damage. This crash shows how ignoring traffic signals and driver distraction can cause serious injuries to people on foot.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4749327 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jul 10 - SUV driver’s inexperience led to a crash with a cyclist on West 110th. The rider was ejected and bruised but stayed conscious. The SUV was parked. The street stayed dangerous.

According to the police report, a crash happened at 8:50 AM near West 110 Street in Manhattan. A 33-year-old woman riding east on a bike struck the left side doors of a parked SUV. She was ejected and suffered bruises and arm injuries but remained conscious. The police report lists 'Driver Inexperience' as a contributing factor for the SUV driver. No factors were cited for the cyclist. No damage was reported to either vehicle. The crash left the cyclist hurt, underscoring the risk for those outside cars.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4740576 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 19 - A sedan hit a northbound cyclist on West 65th. The rider, 42, was thrown and suffered facial abrasions. Police cited driver distraction. No vehicle damage. The cyclist was conscious and injured.

According to the police report, a sedan traveling east on West 65 Street near Central Park West struck a northbound bicyclist at 13:05 in Manhattan. The 42-year-old male cyclist was partially ejected and sustained abrasions to his face. The report cites 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. The sedan’s right front quarter panel hit the center front end of the bike. Neither vehicle was damaged. The cyclist was conscious and injured. The driver was licensed in New York. No cyclist actions contributed to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4737913 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18

Jun 17 - A 19-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained head injuries in a collision on 1 Transverse Road Number Three. The crash involved driver confusion and errors, resulting in abrasions and serious injury to the cyclist.

According to the police report, a 19-year-old male bicyclist was injured and ejected during a crash in Manhattan near 1 Transverse Road Number Three at 11:30 PM. The bicyclist suffered head injuries and abrasions, with injury severity rated at level 3. The report cites 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as a contributing factor, indicating confusion or error on the part of the bicyclist. Additionally, 'Other Vehicular' factors were noted, pointing to driver-related errors in the crash. The bicyclist was traveling east, going straight ahead, and the point of impact was the center back end of an unspecified vehicle, which sustained damage to its center front end. The report does not specify helmet use or other victim behaviors as contributing factors, focusing instead on driver and vehicle errors leading to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4733856 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-18