Crash Count for Precinct 72
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 3,909
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,366
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 402
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 21
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 15
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 24, 2025

Who’s Injuring and Killing Pedestrians in Precinct 72?

Red Lights, Dead Pedestrians—City Waits, People Die

Red Lights, Dead Pedestrians—City Waits, People Die

Precinct 72: Jan 1, 2022 - Jul 28, 2025

The Toll: Two Dead in the Crosswalk

Just weeks ago, two men—Kex Un Chen, 80, and Faqui Lin, 59—were killed in a crosswalk at Third Avenue and 52nd Street. They had the light. The BMW driver ran the red and kept going. Both men died at the scene. The street was busy. The city was silent. CBS New York reported that since 2018, drivers have killed or seriously injured 80 people on this two-mile stretch. The blood dries, but the danger stays.

The Pattern: Broken Promises, Endless Waiting

Fourteen people have died in Precinct 72 since 2022. Over 2,300 have been injured. Twenty-one suffered injuries so severe they may never walk the same. Most were walking or biking. Most did nothing wrong. The numbers do not lie. The city has known about Third Avenue for years. Plans to fix it have sat on a shelf since 2014. Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes asked, “We started talking about a plan in 2014 and it’s now 2025. What is going on?” There is no answer. There is only waiting.

The Leaders: Words, Not Action

After the latest deaths, officials gathered. They spoke of safety. They spoke of families. Councilmember Alexa Avilés called for real investment: “We want the city to actually commit real capital to make sure that it can do treatments that truly address the safety concerns while balancing the fact that we have an industrial business zone here.” But the city’s response has been a sign that says “be careful.” State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “We should all be offended. Angry. Insulted. That the response from our city to two deaths blocks away from here is a sign that says: ‘be careful.’”

The Precinct: Power to Protect

Precinct 72 has the power to enforce speed limits, ticket reckless drivers, and target crash hotspots. They can act now. They do not need to wait for another funeral. The tools are in their hands. The question is whether they will use them.

Call to Action:

Demand more. Call your council member. Call the mayor. Call Precinct 72. Tell them to enforce the law, redesign the streets, and end the waiting. Every day of delay is another day someone dies for nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Precinct 72 sit politically?
It belongs to borough Brooklyn, city council district District 38, assembly district AD 44 and state senate district SD 17.
Which areas are in Precinct 72?
It includes the Windsor Terrace-South Slope, Sunset Park (West), Sunset Park (Central), Green-Wood Cemetery, and Brooklyn CB7 neighborhoods. It also overlaps parts of Council Districts District 38, District 39, and District 43, Assembly Districts AD 44, AD 49, and AD 51, and State Senate Districts SD 17, SD 20, and SD 26.
What types of vehicles caused injuries and deaths to pedestrians in Precinct 72?
Cars and Trucks: 6 deaths, 252 injuries (cars/SUVs and trucks/buses). Motorcycles and Mopeds: 1 death, 14 injuries. Bikes: 0 deaths, 35 injuries. NYC Open Data
What can police do to protect vulnerable road users here?
Precinct 72 can enforce speed limits, ticket reckless drivers, and crack down on failure to yield. They can target known crash hotspots and respond to dangerous conditions. The precinct has the tools to act now—no new laws needed.
Are these crashes just accidents, or are they preventable?
These deaths and injuries are preventable. Most victims were walking or biking and following the law. Safer street design, lower speeds, and real enforcement save lives.
What can local politicians do to stop traffic violence?
They can fund street redesigns, lower speed limits, and demand enforcement. They can push for protected bike lanes and safer crossings. They can stop waiting and start acting.
What is CrashCount?
We’re a tool for helping hold local politicians and other actors accountable for their failure to protect you when you’re walking or cycling in NYC. We update our site constantly to provide you with up to date information on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Citations

Citations

Other Representatives

Robert Carroll
Assembly Member Robert Carroll
District 44
District Office:
416 7th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215
Legislative Office:
Room 557, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12248
Alexa Avilés
Council Member Alexa Avilés
District 38
District Office:
4417 4th Avenue, Ground Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-439-9012
Legislative Office:
250 Broadway, Suite 1746, New York, NY 10007
212-788-7387
Twitter: AlexaAviles
Steve Chan
State Senator Steve Chan
District 17
District Office:
6605 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Legislative Office:
Room 615, Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY 12247
Other Geographies

Precinct 72 Police Precinct 72 sits in Brooklyn, District 38, AD 44, SD 17.

It contains Brooklyn CB7, Windsor Terrace-South Slope, Sunset Park (West), Sunset Park (Central), Green-Wood Cemetery.

See also
Boroughs
City Council Districts
Community Boards
State_assembly_districts
State Senate Districts

Traffic Safety Timeline for Police Precinct 72

Man Dies After Fall Onto Subway Tracks

A man fell onto Prospect Park subway tracks during a fight. The train struck him. He died at the scene. Police questioned the other person. The platform became a place of sudden death.

NY Daily News (2025-07-30) reports a man died after falling onto the tracks at Prospect Park station during a fight. Police said, "As the fight escalated, he landed on the train tracks and was struck by an oncoming train." The victim suffered fatal head trauma. The other person involved was taken into custody for questioning. No charges were filed at the time. The article does not specify if the man fell or was pushed. The incident highlights the dangers of open subway platforms and the risks faced by riders in moments of conflict.


SUVs Collide Improperly Turning on Prospect Park West

Two SUVs crashed on Prospect Park West. One driver, age 62, suffered neck injuries. Police cite improper turning. Metal bent. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two station wagons collided at 246 Prospect Park West in Brooklyn. One driver, a 62-year-old man, was injured in the neck and left in shock. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Turning Improperly.' Both vehicles were traveling south. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists no other contributing factors. The data shows the impact hit the front ends of both SUVs. The crash again highlights the risk when drivers turn improperly on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4830449 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Child Hit Near Sheepshead Bay Playground

A car struck an 11-year-old boy by a Brooklyn playground. He survived. Police search for answers. The street stays dangerous.

ABC7 reported on July 19, 2025, that an 11-year-old boy was hit by a car near a playground on Bedford Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. The crash happened around 5:30 p.m. Friday. The boy is in stable condition. Police are investigating the circumstances. The article states, "There is no word yet on how the accident happened." No details on driver actions or charges have been released. The incident highlights the ongoing risk to children near city streets and playgrounds.


Driver Kills Girlfriend Doing Donuts

A driver spun out in a Brooklyn lot. The car struck a woman on the curb. She died at the hospital. Police charged the driver with negligent homicide. The lot was left scarred. The city mourns another loss.

According to the New York Post (2025-07-16), Zachary Cando, 24, was 'doing the dangerous spinning trick' known as donuts in a Gateway Center parking lot when he lost control and hit Madisyn Ruiz, 21, who was sitting nearby. Ruiz died after being rushed to the hospital. Police charged Cando with criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment, and reckless driving. The article notes the car was 'badly dented in the front.' The crash highlights the risks of reckless driving in public spaces and the need for stronger deterrents in parking lots.


Court Blocks Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Removal

A judge stopped the city from tearing out Bedford Avenue’s only protected bike lane. The fight over safety and street space continues. Cyclists and pedestrians wait as legal battles stall change.

Streetsblog NYC reported on July 15, 2025, that an appellate judge halted Mayor Adams’s plan to remove a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. Judge Ventura issued a restraining order after Transportation Alternatives and Baruch Herzfeld appealed the city’s move. The city had planned to start demolition after complaints from local leaders, but the court’s order blocks any changes until further review. Streetsblog quotes Ben Furnas: 'The Adams administration is going to have to spend their night preparing their legal case, not ripping out a critical safety project.' The article highlights weak enforcement of parking rules and the city’s reversal against its own DOT’s safety plan. The case underscores how political pressure and lax enforcement can threaten vulnerable road users.


2
Sedan Runs Light, Kills Two Pedestrians in Brooklyn

A sedan struck two men crossing with the signal on 3rd Ave and 52nd St. Both died. Police cite traffic control disregarded and unsafe speed. The car’s right front bumper hit. System failed the walkers.

Two male pedestrians, ages 80 and 59, were killed when a sedan struck them as they crossed 3rd Avenue at 52nd Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both men were crossing with the signal at the intersection when the vehicle hit them with its right front bumper. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. No injuries were reported for vehicle occupants. The data shows clear driver error: the driver failed to obey traffic controls and drove too fast. The pedestrians followed the signal. The system left them exposed.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826750 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Hit-And-Run Kills Two In Sunset Park

A car sped down Third Avenue. Two men, one with a cart, one with a cane, crossed. The driver did not brake. Both men died in the street. The car fled. Police arrested the driver hours later.

ABC7 reported on July 11, 2025, that two men, aged 59 and 80, were killed by a hit-and-run driver at Third Avenue and 52nd Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Surveillance showed the car "speeding southbound" and not braking before impact. The driver, Juventino Anastacio Florentino, was arrested and charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and reckless driving. The victims, Kex Un Chen and Faqiu Lin, were likely headed to a local food pantry. The incident highlights the lethal risk posed by reckless driving and the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially near essential services.


Elderly Man Killed In Brooklyn Hit-Run

A moped struck a 90-year-old man in Brooklyn. The driver fled. The man died at the hospital. Security video captured the impact. The street claimed another life.

CBS New York (2025-07-10) reports a 90-year-old man died after a moped hit-and-run in Brooklyn. Security footage 'shows the moment the man was struck.' The driver left the scene. The victim died at the hospital. The incident highlights the lethal risk for pedestrians and the ongoing danger of drivers who flee. No policy changes or arrests were reported.


Judge Allows Bedford Avenue Bike Lane Change

A judge let the city move a protected bike lane off Bedford Avenue. Cyclists lose curbside safety. Adams pushed the change after local protests. Advocates warn the street grows more dangerous.

Gothamist (2025-07-09) reports a state judge allowed Mayor Adams to remove curbside bike lane protections on Brooklyn's Bedford Avenue. The city will shift the lane to the street's center, ending the barrier of parked cars. The move follows protests from local Orthodox Jewish communities and a recent e-bike crash. Advocates sued, arguing Adams bypassed environmental review. The judge ruled the change was not a major project. Transportation Alternatives warns, 'If the Bedford Avenue safety improvements are destroyed, this all but guarantees that there will be blood on Eric Adams' hands.' The decision highlights Adams' pattern of scaling back street safety redesigns.


Elderly Pedestrian Killed Crossing Avenue I

A Smart Car struck Dov Broyde, 70, as he crossed Avenue I near his home. Medics rushed him to the hospital. He died. The driver stayed. No charges filed. Brooklyn street claimed another life.

NY Daily News (2025-07-08) reports Dov Broyde, 70, was fatally struck by a Smart Car while crossing Avenue I at E. Fifth St. near Midwood around 9:30 p.m. The article states the driver 'plowed into him' and remained at the scene. No criminal charges were filed at the time. The incident highlights persistent danger for pedestrians in New York City, where 55 have died this year. The crash underscores the ongoing toll of traffic violence and the urgent need for systemic safety improvements.


2
SUV and Sedan Crash on Gowanus Expressway Injures Two

SUV and sedan collided on Gowanus Expressway. Two men suffered back injuries. Both vehicles struck head-on. No cause listed. The road turned violent in the night.

Two vehicles, a station wagon/SUV and a sedan, collided on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, two men—a 27-year-old driver and a 23-year-old front passenger—were injured, both suffering back and internal injuries. The SUV was hit at the center back end, the sedan at the center front. Both vehicles were traveling straight ahead. The police report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors were recorded in the data. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826140 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
2
SUV and Sedan Crash on 5th Avenue Injures Two

SUV and sedan collided on 5th Avenue in Brooklyn. Two passengers hurt. Police cite traffic control disregarded. Metal twisted. Night air thick with sirens.

Two vehicles, a sedan and an SUV, crashed at 5th Avenue and 48th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the collision occurred when traffic control was disregarded. Two people were injured: a 24-year-old female passenger suffered whiplash, and a 21-year-old male driver sustained a head abrasion. The report lists 'Traffic Control Disregarded' as a contributing factor. Both vehicles were traveling straight before impact. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4826141 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
SUV Kills Boy Crossing Crown Heights Street

An SUV struck and killed eight-year-old Mordica Keller as he crossed Eastern Parkway with his sister. The driver stayed. Blood stained the concrete. The boy died at Kings County Hospital. The street claimed another child.

According to the New York Post (2025-06-29), eight-year-old Mordica Keller was killed by a black Honda Pilot while crossing Eastern Parkway at Albany Street with his sister. The 69-year-old driver, heading south, remained at the scene. Police said, "They were walking, he was crossing the street with his sister." The driver had a green light, and no arrest has been made. The incident highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians at busy intersections. The investigation continues.


E-Bike Strikes Pedestrian on 55th Street

E-bike hit a 64-year-old woman crossing 55th Street. She suffered a fractured leg. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed silent after the crash.

A 64-year-old woman was struck by an e-bike while crossing 55th Street in Brooklyn. She suffered a fractured and dislocated leg. According to the police report, the crash happened when the e-bike, traveling west, failed to yield the right-of-way. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as the contributing factor. No other injuries were specified. The pedestrian was not at an intersection or crosswalk at the time. The impact was to the center front end of the e-bike.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4823682 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
SUV and Sedan Crash on Gowanus Expressway

Two cars collided on the Gowanus Expressway. One passenger suffered neck injuries. Four others were involved. The cause remains unclear. Metal twisted. Shock followed.

A sedan and an SUV crashed on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 61-year-old male passenger suffered neck injuries and shock. Four other men, ages 29 and 72, were involved but not seriously hurt. Both vehicles were traveling east. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are cited. No mention of helmet or signal use appears in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4822634 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Drunk Unlicensed Driver Kills Moped Rider

A moped slammed into a car’s door in Bay Ridge. The rider died. His passenger broke bones. The driver was drunk, unlicensed, and arrested. The street stayed quiet after the crash. Another life lost to reckless driving.

NY Daily News reported on June 22, 2025, that Joel Mota, 22, died after his moped struck the passenger-side door of a 2013 Acura TSX at Third Ave and 67th St in Brooklyn. The crash happened at 4:45 a.m. Police said the car’s driver, Leslie Moreno, was intoxicated and unlicensed. Mota’s passenger suffered multiple fractures. The article notes, 'Police arrested the Acura driver, 29-year-old Leslie Moreno, for driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired, and being unlicensed.' Moreno was arraigned and released without bail. The case highlights the ongoing risk posed by impaired, unlicensed drivers on city streets.


Judge Halts Removal Of Brooklyn Bike Lane

A judge stopped the city from tearing out a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. The lane stays for now. A toddler was struck by an e-bike. City Hall acted without consulting locals. The fight over street safety continues.

The New York Post reported on June 18, 2025, that Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo blocked Mayor Adams' plan to remove a protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue. The ruling followed a lawsuit by Transportation Alternatives, who argued that removing the lane would endanger road users. The judge found City Hall 'acted arbitrarily, capriciously, and illegally' by failing to consult local officials or the community. The city cited 'several dangerous incidents—many of which involved children getting seriously hurt' as the reason for the proposed removal, after a 3-year-old was struck by an e-bike in May. The protected lane will remain until a court hearing in August. The case highlights the tension between rapid policy changes and the need for community input on street safety.


SUV U-Turn Strikes Cyclist on McDonald Ave

SUV turned across McDonald Ave. Cyclist riding straight. Impact threw rider. Head injury. Police cite improper turn and lane use. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A cyclist was injured when an SUV making a U-turn struck him on McDonald Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the SUV driver was 'Turning Improperly' and committed 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper.' The cyclist, traveling straight, was ejected and suffered a head injury. The report notes the cyclist wore a helmet. The crash highlights the danger when drivers turn across the path of vulnerable road users. No injuries were reported for the SUV occupants.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4821679 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
SUVs Collide on 3rd Avenue, Driver Hurt

Two SUVs slammed together on 3rd Avenue at 60th Street. One driver suffered back injuries. Passengers escaped serious harm. Metal twisted. The street stayed open. The cause remains unclear. The system failed to protect those inside.

Two station wagons or SUVs crashed at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 60th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, one SUV was making a left turn while the other went straight. The crash left a 44-year-old male driver with back injuries and whiplash. Three passengers and another driver were listed as uninjured. The police report lists 'Unspecified' as the contributing factor for all involved, with no further details on driver actions. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. Both vehicles sustained damage to their sides and bumpers. The report does not mention helmet use or turn signals as factors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4820440 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-07-31
Williamsburg Protected Bike Lane Removed

City will strip Bedford Avenue of its protected bike lane. The mayor cites safety. Cyclists lose a shield. Streets grow harsher. The move stirs anger and worry in Williamsburg. Vulnerable road users face new risk.

CBS New York reported on June 14, 2025, that Mayor Eric Adams will remove the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn. The mayor claims the rollback is due to 'safety concerns.' The article notes, 'The decision to remove it is drawing mixed reaction in Williamsburg.' No details are given on specific incidents or data prompting the change. The removal eliminates a key barrier between cyclists and traffic. This action raises questions about city policy and the commitment to protecting vulnerable road users. The move may increase exposure to traffic violence for cyclists and pedestrians.