Precinct 26: Crashes pile up on 125th and the Parkway

May 17 - Police ticket cyclists for crossing with the walk signal. The law allows it. Officers ignore the rule. Riders get criminal summonses. The city’s own code is clear. Bikers move with pedestrians. Enforcement lags behind the law. Riders pay the price.

West Side Spirit (May 17, 2025) reports that Oliver Casey Esparza filed a class-action lawsuit against the NYPD and city officials. He claims police issue red-light summonses to cyclists who cross intersections with the white pedestrian walk signal, despite a 2019 law permitting this. The article quotes Transportation Alternatives: “That 5-7 second head start can mean the difference between being hit by a turning car and being seen by a turning car.” Esparza says officers ignore the rule, issuing criminal summonses instead of traffic tickets. The suit highlights a gap between city policy and street enforcement, raising questions about NYPD training and the city’s commitment to safe cycling.

• Cyclist Sues NYPD Over Red-Light Tickets, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-05-17

May 13 - Police ticket cyclists for obeying walk signals. Law says cyclists can cross with pedestrians. NYPD ignores it. Tickets pile up. One rider fights back in court. The city’s policy stands, unmoved by the law.

According to the New York Post (May 13, 2025), cyclist Oliver Casey Esparza filed a federal lawsuit against the NYPD, alleging officers wrongfully ticket cyclists for running red lights even when they follow pedestrian crossing signals, as permitted by a 2019 City Council law. The suit claims, 'the city maintains a policy and practice of detaining, ticketing, and prosecuting cyclists who lawfully ride through an intersection when the pedestrian control signal indicates white/walk.' Esparza received a $190 summons at Third Avenue and East 42nd Street, Manhattan, despite acting within the law. The lawsuit names current and former NYPD commissioners, accusing them of knowingly violating civil rights. The article notes a sharp rise in tickets for cyclists in early 2025. The NYPD declined to comment. The case highlights a gap between city law and police enforcement, raising questions about policy compliance and systemic accountability.

• Cyclist Sues NYPD Over Red Light Tickets, New York Post, Published 2025-05-13

May 7 - Six died when a sightseeing helicopter shattered midair over the Hudson. The fuselage, rotor, and tail tore loose. Loud bangs echoed. The craft plunged. No black box. No warning. Only fragments and silence left behind.

NY Daily News reported on May 7, 2025, that federal officials released images showing a sightseeing helicopter breaking apart in midair before crashing into the Hudson River, killing six. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report details how the Bell 206L-4 split into three pieces: 'the fuselage, the main rotor system, and the tail boom.' Witnesses heard 'several loud 'bangs'' before the breakup. The helicopter had flown eight tours that day, all with the same pilot, who had less than 50 hours in this model. The aircraft had a prior maintenance issue with its transmission assembly and lacked flight data recorders. The NTSB noted the pilot wore video-capable sunglasses, but they remain missing. The crash highlights gaps in oversight and the risks of repeated tour flights without robust recording or inspection requirements.

• Helicopter Breaks Apart Over Hudson River, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-07

May 4 - A cyclist died in Manhattan. Two vehicles struck. Both drivers stayed. Police have not charged anyone. The street claimed another life. Metal and speed met flesh and bone. The city keeps moving. The loss remains.

Patch reported on May 4, 2025, that a bicyclist was killed in Manhattan after a collision involving two vehicles. According to the NYPD, 'Both drivers remained at the scene.' The article notes that 'it is not yet clear if either of the drivers will be charged in connection to the incident.' No further details on the crash circumstances or contributing factors were provided. The case highlights ongoing risks for cyclists in New York City streets, where multi-vehicle collisions can have fatal consequences. The incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by vulnerable road users and the need for continued scrutiny of street design and traffic enforcement.

• Bicyclist Dies In Manhattan Collision, Patch, Published 2025-05-04

May 3 - A sedan hit a 70-year-old man crossing 12th Avenue at West 133rd Street. The driver was distracted. The man suffered a fractured leg. Blood on the street. The city keeps moving.

A 70-year-old man was struck by a sedan while crossing 12th Avenue at West 133rd Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, the driver was inattentive or distracted. The pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk with no signal when the crash occurred. He suffered a fractured and dislocated lower leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the primary contributing factor. No other contributing factors related to the pedestrian were cited.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4810111 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

May 3 - A van door swung open. The cyclist struck it. He fell. A truck crushed him. Medics rushed him to Bellevue. He died. The street stayed busy. The drivers waited. The city moved on.

According to NY Daily News (May 3, 2025), Georgios Smaragdis, 44, was killed while riding his e-bike west on Broome Street in Soho. The article states, "he slammed into the door of a Mercedes van that its driver had just flung open," sending him into the path of a red delivery truck that ran him over. Both drivers remained at the scene. The van driver told the outlet, "I opened the door. I didn’t even see the guy." Police have not announced charges. The crash highlights the persistent danger of dooring and the lethal consequences for cyclists when drivers fail to check for oncoming traffic before opening doors. The incident underscores ongoing risks for vulnerable road users in Manhattan’s dense traffic.

• E-Bike Rider Killed After Dooring in Soho, NY Daily News, Published 2025-05-03

Apr 29 - Two SUVs slammed together on Broadway. One driver suffered a fractured arm. Police cite unsafe speed and traffic control ignored. Passengers hurt. Metal twisted. Sirens followed.

Two sport utility vehicles crashed on Broadway at West 125th Street in Manhattan. One driver, age 25, suffered a shoulder fracture and dislocation. Two passengers, including an infant, were also hurt. According to the police report, the crash was caused by unsafe speed and drivers disregarding traffic control. Both vehicles were traveling north. The impact struck the left side doors of one SUV. No mention of helmet or signal use as contributing factors. The crash left injuries and damage in its wake.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808984 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 29 - A woman crossed Amsterdam Avenue. An ambulance turned left. Metal struck flesh. Bones broke. Blood spilled. She died in the hospital. The driver stayed, but charges followed. The street remains wide, busy, and dangerous.

NY Daily News reported on April 29, 2025, that Juan Santana, an ambulance driver, was arrested months after fatally striking Miriam Reinharth, 69, in Manhattan. Police said Santana failed to yield as Reinharth crossed Amsterdam Avenue at West 96th Street. The NYPD Collision Investigation Squad found Santana turned left into her path. He was charged with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care. Reinharth died from severe injuries, including a broken leg and pelvis fractures. The article notes, 'The police officer said the accident was not Miriam's fault at all.' The crash occurred on a double-wide, truck route artery, highlighting ongoing risks for pedestrians at busy intersections.

• Ambulance Driver Charged After Fatal Turn, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-29

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.

• NYPD Pursuit Ends In Fatal Crash, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-27

Apr 26 - A young woman crossing Riverside Drive in a marked crosswalk was hit and left bleeding from the head. Shock followed. The crash left her hurt at the intersection, danger plain as day.

A 23-year-old woman was injured while crossing Riverside Drive at Tiemann Place in Manhattan. According to the police report, she was in a marked crosswalk with no signal when a vehicle struck her, causing head injuries and minor bleeding. The report lists no driver errors or contributing factors. The victim was left in shock. No details about the vehicle or driver were provided in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808800 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 25 - SUV veered on Morningside Ave. Struck 18-year-old crossing in marked crosswalk. Pedestrian bruised arm. Unsafe lane change and driver distraction listed. System failed to protect the walker.

An SUV traveling south on Morningside Avenue hit an 18-year-old pedestrian who was crossing in a marked crosswalk. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Unsafe Lane Changing' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The pedestrian suffered a contusion to the arm but remained conscious. The report lists no injuries for the vehicle occupant. The data shows driver error as the primary cause. No mention of pedestrian error or safety equipment is made.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808832 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 23 - A distracted sedan driver hit a pedestrian and a cyclist on Riverside Drive. Both women, age 65, suffered shoulder injuries. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield.

A sedan traveling north on Riverside Drive struck a pedestrian and a cyclist, both women aged 65. According to the police report, both victims suffered shoulder and upper arm injuries and were in shock. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The sedan showed no damage, but the bike was hit on its left side. The crash happened as the victims moved along the street, not at an intersection. The police report makes clear: driver error led to these injuries.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807703 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 13 - A sedan passed too close on Old Broadway. The impact left a 24-year-old e-bike rider with an eye abrasion. Streets stayed silent. Metal moved on. Flesh paid.

A sedan and an e-bike collided on Old Broadway at West 125th Street in Manhattan. The crash injured a 24-year-old male e-bike rider, who suffered an abrasion to his eye. According to the police report, 'Passing Too Closely' was listed as the contributing factor for both vehicles. The sedan struck with its right front bumper. No vehicle damage was reported. The data does not mention any helmet use or other cyclist actions as contributing factors. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to leave safe space for vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4805291 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

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 5 - Two SUVs and a sedan collided on Riverside Drive. Three people hurt. Head and shoulder injuries. Police cite reaction to another vehicle. Metal twisted. Sirens wailed.

Two SUVs and a sedan collided on Riverside Drive near West 119th Street in Manhattan. According to the police report, three people were injured: two drivers suffered head injuries and a rear passenger reported shoulder pain. The crash involved a reaction to an uninvolved vehicle, as noted in the police report. No driver-specific errors like speeding or failure to yield were listed. The report does not mention helmet or signal use as contributing factors. The impact left metal bent and lives disrupted.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803732 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 5 - SUV hit cyclist at unsafe speed. Rider ejected, head injured. Police cite driver inattention and speed. Blood on the street. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A station wagon/SUV struck a 22-year-old cyclist on Amsterdam Avenue at West 126th Street in Manhattan. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' contributed to the crash. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but these factors followed the driver’s errors. The crash left the cyclist conscious but hurt. The system exposed the rider to danger.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4803731 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17

Apr 4 - A police chase tore through Upper Manhattan. The Honda crashed, flames swallowed it. The driver died inside. Officers were suspended. The street fell silent. Charred metal marked the spot. The city’s pursuit rules failed to stop the wreck.

The New York Times (2025-04-04) reports two NYPD officers were suspended after chasing a stolen Honda CRV that crashed and burned on Dyckman Street, killing its driver. The article notes the police are investigating if officers left the scene without reporting the crash. The incident came three months after NYPD restricted car chases for low-level offenses. Commissioner Tisch said, “Our officers deserve clear guidance and smart protocols when determining whether to engage in a vehicle pursuit on our streets.” The pursuit was reportedly justified under new policy, which still allows chases for serious crimes. The fatal fire highlights the ongoing risks of police pursuits and questions the effectiveness of recent reforms.

• Police Chase Ends In Fatal Fire, The New York Times, Published 2025-04-04

Apr 1 - Sedans collided on Henry Hudson Parkway. One driver suffered back injury and concussion. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, pain. System failed to protect.

Two sedans collided on Henry Hudson Parkway in Manhattan. According to the police report, one driver suffered a back injury and concussion. The crash involved a rear-end impact, with the front of one sedan striking the back of another. Police list 'Following Too Closely' as the contributing factor. No other errors or factors are cited. The toll: one injured, others shaken. The system left a gap, and the gap closed fast.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802973 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-09-17