Harlem Bleeds While Leaders Wait

Jul 22 - A driver tore through Midtown, smashing cars and fleeing police. Metal scraped. Horns blared. The chase ended at Lexington and 50th. Police drew guns. The driver was arrested. Streets bore the scars.

According to ABC7 (2025-07-22), a driver struck multiple vehicles—including a police cruiser—while fleeing police through Midtown Manhattan. The pursuit began after a hit at Park Ave and ended at 50th and Lexington. The suspect, Jose Foster, faces charges including assault, reckless endangerment, and fleeing police. Witness Martina Minor said, "It felt like he was scratching like big noise and I was honking like stop and he kept doing it." The incident highlights the risks of high-speed chases in dense city streets, with property damage and potential harm to bystanders.

• Police Chase Wrecks Cars In Midtown, ABC7, Published 2025-07-22

Jul 21 - A stolen car tore off the Manhattan Bridge, slammed into a plaza, and killed a cyclist and a woman on a bench. The driver and passenger ran but police caught them. Metal met flesh. Lives ended. The city mourns.

West Side Spirit (2025-07-21) reports a stolen Chevy Malibu sped off the Manhattan Bridge, crashing into a Bowery plaza at 7:30am. The car killed May Kwok, seated on a bench, and Kevin Scott Cruickshank, a cyclist. The driver and passenger fled but were caught. The article quotes Kwok’s brother: “This is not a car accident. They committed a crime, and they tried to get away from the police because they're reckless.” The crash highlights the lethal risk of high-speed chases and stolen vehicles in dense city spaces. A memorial now stands for the victims.

• Stolen Car Kills Two on Bowery Plaza, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-07-21

• Cyclist and Pedestrian Killed After Vehicle Jumps Curb in Manhattan, The New York Times, Published 2025-07-20

Jul 19 - A Chevy sedan struck a cyclist and a pedestrian at Canal and Bowery. Both died at the scene. The drivers tried to flee but were caught. Metal twisted. Lives ended. The street stayed dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-07-19) reports a Chevy Malibu killed a cyclist and a pedestrian near the Manhattan Bridge at 7:30 a.m. Police say the car 'slammed into the two victims.' Two women driving the car tried to flee but were detained. No charges were filed by Saturday afternoon. The crash also damaged an NYPD van. The deaths follow recent city claims of record-low traffic fatalities, highlighting persistent risk at busy crossings.

• Chevy Sedan Kills Two Near Manhattan Bridge, Gothamist, Published 2025-07-19

Jul 18 - A distracted sedan driver struck a pedestrian crossing with the signal on Lenox. The impact ejected the victim, causing severe bleeding and arm injuries. Systemic inattention left blood on the street.

A sedan traveling north on Lenox Avenue struck a pedestrian who was crossing with the signal. The 20-year-old male pedestrian was ejected and suffered severe bleeding and upper arm injuries. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was the contributing factor. The sedan’s left front bumper hit the victim. No other major injuries were reported. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver distraction. The data lists no helmet or signal issues for the pedestrian.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830423 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jul 17 - A food cart broke loose from a van packed with propane and fuel. It slammed into a parked car with a woman and child inside. Both went to the hospital. Police found 76 propane tanks. The driver faces charges.

According to NY Daily News (2025-07-17), police arrested a 31-year-old van driver after a food cart he was towing broke loose and struck a parked Kia Serrano with a woman and child inside. The article reports, "Firefighters forced entry into the van, removing 76 20-pound propane cylinders and 15 five-gallon fuel containers." The driver was charged with reckless endangerment. The incident highlights the dangers of unsecured loads and hazardous material transport on city streets. Both victims were hospitalized in stable condition. The driver attempted to withhold access to the van, further complicating the response.

• Loose Food Cart Strikes Parked Car in Manhattan, NY Daily News, Published 2025-07-17

Jul 13 - SUV turned left on Frederick Douglass. Motorcycle struck hard. Rider ejected, neck injured, concussion. Police cite driver inattention and distraction. Streets do not forgive mistakes.

A crash on W 116th Street at Frederick Douglass Blvd involved an SUV and a motorcycle. The SUV, driven by an unlicensed driver, turned left as the motorcycle went straight. The motorcyclist, age 25, was ejected and suffered a neck injury and concussion. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed. Both drivers lost consciousness. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, as noted in the report, but driver errors came first. The crash left one person injured and exposed the risks of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4831160 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jul 10 - SUV struck 14-year-old cyclist on W 127 St. Both cyclist and pedestrian suffered leg injuries. Police cite passing too closely and driver distraction. System failed to protect the young.

A station wagon/SUV hit a 14-year-old bicyclist on W 127 St near Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd in Manhattan. The cyclist and a 14-year-old pedestrian both suffered knee and foot injuries. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Passing Too Closely' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction.' The SUV's left front bumper struck the bike's right front quarter panel. No helmet use was listed as a contributing factor. The data shows clear driver error, with vulnerable road users paying the price.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830240 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jul 9 - A distracted driver in an SUV hit a 26-year-old man crossing West 116th Street in Manhattan. He suffered contusions to his lower leg and foot. Police recorded driver inattention/distraction.

A 26-year-old man was struck while crossing West 116th Street in Manhattan and suffered a contusion to his lower leg and foot. “According to the police report, the driver was inattentive or distracted.” Police recorded Driver Inattention/Distraction as the contributing factor. The pedestrian was not at an intersection when the collision occurred. The vehicle was a 2019 station wagon/SUV traveling west, going straight ahead; police reported no vehicle damage and no injuries to vehicle occupants. No other contributing factors are listed in the report.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4829196 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jul 6 - A sedan turned left and hit a cyclist on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. The cyclist was ejected and suffered abdominal injuries. Police cite driver inattention and other vehicular factors.

A sedan making a left turn collided with a southbound cyclist on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd at W 114 St in Manhattan. The 36-year-old male cyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abdominal injuries. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. The cyclist was conscious at the scene. No helmet use was listed as a contributing factor. The sedan showed no damage. The crash highlights the danger faced by cyclists when drivers fail to pay attention.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4825783 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jul 4 - A sedan hit an e-bike rider on Frederick Douglass Blvd. The cyclist suffered a head injury and lost consciousness. Police cite driver inattention and other vehicular factors. The street stayed dangerous.

A sedan and an e-bike collided on Frederick Douglass Blvd in Manhattan. The 28-year-old e-bike rider was injured, suffering a head wound and losing consciousness. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. The sedan’s right side doors were damaged. The cyclist was not wearing safety equipment, but the report lists driver errors first. No injuries were specified for the sedan occupants. The crash highlights the risks faced by cyclists on city streets.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826582 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jun 27 - SUV cut left on 125th. Scooter slammed. Young rider hurt, bleeding. Police cite driver distraction and other vehicular factors. Manhattan street, late night, danger in the dark.

A 23-year-old woman riding an electric scooter was injured when an SUV making a left turn struck her on West 125th Street at St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Other Vehicular' factors. The SUV's front end hit the scooter's side. The scooter rider suffered injuries to her entire body and minor bleeding. The report lists no helmet or signal issues for the scooter. The collision highlights the risk when drivers fail to pay attention and turn across vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4824231 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jun 25 - SUV driver blew past traffic control. Cyclist thrown, arm gashed. Passenger shaken. Metal against flesh. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A Ford SUV struck a cyclist on Morningside Ave at W 123rd St. The cyclist, a 26-year-old man, was ejected and injured his arm. According to the police report, both the SUV driver and others involved disregarded traffic control. The cyclist wore a helmet. The SUV's right front bumper hit the bike's rear. The crash left the cyclist hurt and a passenger shaken. Traffic control was ignored. The system left the cyclist exposed.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823165 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jun 23 - A stolen box truck crashed into a Midtown building. The front awning buckled under the force. No injuries. Police detained a person of interest. Metal and glass scattered. The street fell silent. The city watched, unblinking.

CBS New York reported on June 23, 2025, that a stolen box truck struck a building in Midtown Manhattan, damaging the front awning. According to police, 'no one was hurt and a person of interest was taken into custody.' The incident highlights the risk posed by unauthorized drivers behind the wheel of large vehicles. The crash did not result in injuries, but the impact damaged property and disrupted the area. The report underscores ongoing concerns about vehicle theft and the potential for harm in dense urban environments, where even a single reckless act can threaten public safety.

• Stolen Truck Slams Midtown Building, CBS New York, Published 2025-06-23

Jun 20 - A bronze Toyota struck a parked black Ford in Manhattan. The driver, a young woman, was cuffed by a security investigator. Tension flared. The arrest was later voided. No injuries reported. The incident drew scrutiny and sparked internal review.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-20), a young woman driving a bronze Toyota collided with a parked black Ford Expedition belonging to New York Attorney General Letitia James’ security detail. Video shows the vehicles touching in a V shape. Investigator Nelson Yu, a retired NYPD detective, confronted the woman, demanding identification and handcuffing her after she failed to produce ID. Yu ordered, 'Get out of the car and show some ID,' and later, 'Get in the car! You're not going anywhere!' The woman was placed in the back seat of Yu’s vehicle. The arrest was later voided. The Attorney General’s office stated, 'OAG is investigating this matter internally and will not have further comment at this time.' The incident highlights the risks of parked vehicles and the escalation that can follow minor collisions, especially when law enforcement is involved.

• Security Detail Cuffs Woman After Crash, New York Post, Published 2025-06-20

Jun 19 - A Bronx man died after his e-bike struck a pedestrian in a Central Park crosswalk. He flew from the bike, hit the curb, and never recovered. The pedestrian suffered a minor hand injury. Police are investigating. No arrests have been made.

West Side Spirit reported on June 19, 2025, that Salvador Nico-Garcia, 43, died after his e-bike collided with a pedestrian at East Drive and East 97th Street in Central Park. The article states, "He ran into the unidentified 41 year-old pedestrian. Nico-Garcia was then flung from his bike and struck his head on the curb, the NYPD said." The pedestrian sustained a minor hand injury and refused medical treatment. The NYPD Highway District's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating; no arrests have been made. City data shows e-bike and e-scooter deaths have dropped in 2025, but Central Park crash numbers remain steady. The incident highlights ongoing risks at crosswalks and the need for systemic safety improvements.

• E-Bike Rider Killed in Park Collision, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-19

Jun 16 - A sedan struck a cyclist on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd. The cyclist was ejected and suffered a head injury. Police cite driver inattention and traffic control disregard.

A crash on Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd at W 126 St involved a sedan and a cyclist. The cyclist, a 38-year-old man, was ejected and suffered a head abrasion. According to the police report, driver inattention, distraction, and disregard for traffic control were contributing factors. The sedan, driven by a licensed man, was stopped in traffic before the impact. The cyclist was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment, but the report lists driver inattention and traffic control disregard as primary errors.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821496 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-08

Jun 15 - Buses crawl. Riders wait. The city weighs a busway on 34th Street. Some cheer for faster trips and safer crossings. Others fear cars will flood side streets. The board backs the plan. The street waits for change.

West Side Spirit reported on June 15, 2025, that the NYC Department of Transportation’s plan to convert 34th Street into a busway drew mixed reactions at a Community Board 6 meeting. The board voted 31-5 in favor. Supporters called current bus speeds 'painfully slow' and urged the city to 'prioritize pedestrians and transit users.' Critics worried about diverted car traffic clogging residential streets, with one resident calling for a 'traffic study' and 'action plan.' The DOT says the busway could boost bus speeds by 15 percent. The proposal would force cars to exit 34th Street quickly or face tickets, echoing rules on 14th Street. The debate highlights the tension between transit improvements and neighborhood traffic concerns.

• 34th Street Busway Sparks Debate, West Side Spirit, Published 2025-06-15

Jun 14 - City bans cars from 34th Street. Busway stretches from 3rd to 9th Avenue. Residents protest. They say more buses, not fewer cars, would help. Officials push ahead. Tensions flare. Policy shifts, but questions remain on safety and congestion.

According to the New York Post (June 14, 2025), City Hall approved a plan to ban cars on 34th Street between 3rd and 9th Avenues, creating a dedicated busway. The article details heated opposition from local residents and bus riders, who argued the plan was rushed and lacked proper traffic analysis. Stacy Rauch, a daily bus rider, said, 'The bigger problem is we don’t have enough buses.' Critics worried diverted car traffic would overwhelm nearby streets. The city compared the move to the 14th Street car ban, but residents noted differences in bus frequency. The article highlights accusations of conflicts of interest involving community board members and advocacy groups. The policy aims to prioritize buses and vulnerable road users, but leaves open questions about implementation and neighborhood impact.

• 34th Street Busway Plan Sparks Debate, New York Post, Published 2025-06-14

Jun 8 - City wants cars off 34th Street. Residents fear traffic will flood side streets. Bus riders crawl at five miles an hour. Officials tout safety gains from 14th Street. Tension rises between speed, safety, and neighborhood calm.

The New York Post (2025-06-08) reports that the city proposes restricting cars on 34th Street to create a busway between 3rd and 9th Avenues. Residents worry rerouted vehicles will jam local streets and worsen safety. Jessica Lavoie of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association warns, "diverting traffic from this critical corridor onto narrow residential streets would lead to increased congestion, safety hazards, and diminished quality of life." The Department of Transportation aims to replicate the 14th Street busway, which "reduced congestion, sped up bus travel and curbed accidents." The article highlights the ongoing struggle to balance efficient transit, tunnel access, and neighborhood safety. No specific driver errors are cited, but the plan underscores the systemic risks of shifting car traffic onto residential blocks.

• City Eyes 34th Street Car Ban Plan, New York Post, Published 2025-06-08