Crash Count for Precinct 72
Crashes: Collisions involving cars, bikes, and pedestrians. 3,918
All Injuries: Any injury from a reported crash. 2,374
Moderate: Broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. 403
Serious: Life-altering injuries: amputations, paralysis, severe trauma. 21
Deaths: Lives lost to traffic violence. 15
Data from Jan 1, 2022 to Jul 26, 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

Bus and SUV Collision Injures Passenger on 5th Ave

A bus and SUV collided on 5th Ave in Brooklyn. A 51-year-old woman, riding as a passenger, suffered neck injuries. Police list contributing factors as unspecified. Streets remain unforgiving.

A bus and an SUV crashed on 5th Ave at 56th St in Brooklyn. According to the police report, a 51-year-old female passenger suffered neck injuries, described as whiplash. The report lists contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No other injuries were reported. Both vehicles were traveling south. The bus was slowing or stopping when the SUV struck its rear. No driver errors were specified in the data. The injured passenger was not ejected and was not using safety equipment. The crash highlights the risks faced by passengers in city traffic.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4813462 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Strikes Elderly Pedestrian on 4th Avenue

A sedan hit a 74-year-old man crossing 4th Avenue. The car’s front slammed into him. He suffered a head injury. Police cite failure to yield. The street stayed open. The danger remains.

A BMW sedan struck a 74-year-old man at the intersection of 4th Avenue and 37th Street in Brooklyn. The pedestrian was crossing when the car, making a left turn, hit him with its front end. According to the police report, the pedestrian suffered a head injury and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as a contributing factor. The driver was licensed and remained at the scene. The crash exposes the ongoing threat to pedestrians on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4812288 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Strikes Elderly Pedestrian at 7th Ave

A sedan hit a 73-year-old man crossing 7th Ave. The driver was distracted. The man suffered neck injuries and shock. Blood on the street. Brooklyn traffic did not stop.

A 73-year-old pedestrian was struck by a sedan while crossing at 7th Ave and 40th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the driver was making a left turn and was inattentive or distracted. The pedestrian suffered neck injuries and minor bleeding, and was in shock. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No driver injuries were reported. The crash highlights the danger faced by people crossing city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811096 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted Driver Strikes E-Bike on McDonald Ave

A sedan hit an e-bike on McDonald Ave. The cyclist, ejected and bleeding from the face, lay hurt. Police cite driver distraction. Metal and flesh met in Brooklyn’s morning light.

A sedan collided with an e-bike on McDonald Ave near Greenwood Ave in Brooklyn. The 60-year-old male cyclist was ejected and suffered severe facial lacerations. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The cyclist was unlicensed and wore no safety equipment, but the police report lists driver distraction as the primary factor. No injuries were reported for the sedan occupant. The crash underscores the danger faced by cyclists on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811100 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Principal Overturns Car In Brooklyn Crash

A principal drove down Lenox Road, lost control, hit parked cars, and flipped his vehicle. Police pulled him from the wreck. He refused a Breathalyzer. Charges followed. The street bore the scars. The system let him drive. The danger stayed.

According to NY Daily News (2025-05-06), Gregory Jackson, principal of Brownsville Collaborative Middle School, crashed on Lenox Road near Utica Ave. Police say he struck several parked cars and overturned his vehicle around 11:30 p.m. Jackson told police he had 'only one drink.' He refused a Breathalyzer test at the scene. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving while impaired, and refusing the test. The Department of Education referred questions to the NYPD. The incident highlights the ongoing risk posed by impaired drivers and the vulnerability of anyone near city streets, even when parked. Systemic gaps allow such danger to persist.


Sedan Overturns Striking Parked Cars on 4th Ave

A sedan flipped on 4th Ave, smashing into parked cars. One driver hurt, back pain, shock. No clear cause named. Metal twisted. Streets left scarred.

A sedan overturned on 4th Ave at 19th St in Brooklyn, crashing into three parked sedans. According to the police report, a 33-year-old female driver suffered back pain and shock. Four other occupants were listed with unspecified injuries. The report lists no specific driver errors or contributing factors. The overturned sedan struck parked vehicles, damaging their rear and side panels. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. No helmet or signal issues were noted. The cause remains unspecified in the police data.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811225 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
E-Scooter Rider Ejected in Brooklyn Collision

A sedan struck a 14-year-old e-scooter rider on 44th Street. The teen was ejected and injured. Driver inattention and improper lane use played a role. Impact was hard and direct.

A 14-year-old e-scooter rider was injured after a collision with a sedan on 44th Street in Brooklyn. According to the police report, both vehicles were going straight when the crash occurred. The teen was ejected and suffered a head injury. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as contributing factors. The sedan driver was licensed and uninjured. The e-scooter rider was not using safety equipment. The crash highlights the danger when drivers fail to pay attention and use lanes properly.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4811112 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Strikes E-Bike on 52nd Street in Brooklyn

A sedan hit an e-bike on 52nd Street. The e-bike rider suffered a bruised leg. Police cite failure to yield and driver inattention. Streets remain dangerous for those outside cars.

A sedan making a left turn struck an e-bike traveling straight on 52nd Street in Brooklyn. The 25-year-old e-bike rider was injured, suffering a contusion to the leg. According to the police report, both 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' and 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' contributed to the crash. The sedan's front end hit the e-bike's left side. No injuries were reported for the sedan driver or other occupants. The report lists driver errors as primary factors in the collision.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809897 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Turns Into Motorcycle on Prospect Park SW

SUV turned left. Motorcycle struck head-on. Rider hurt. Passengers shaken. Brooklyn street, evening. Metal and bodies collided. System failed to protect the vulnerable.

A station wagon/SUV making a left turn on Prospect Park SW collided with an eastbound motorcycle. According to the police report, the motorcycle struck the SUV's right front quarter panel. The 21-year-old male motorcyclist suffered abrasions to his entire body. Three SUV occupants, including a front passenger and a rear passenger, had unspecified injuries. No driver errors were listed in the report. The motorcyclist wore a helmet, as noted in the data. The crash highlights the danger faced by riders and passengers when vehicles cross paths on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809901 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
2
Box Truck Slams Sedan on Gowanus Expressway

Box truck struck sedan from behind on Gowanus Expressway. Two women suffered back injuries and concussions. Police cite following too closely as cause. Metal, glass, pain. System failed to protect.

A box truck rear-ended a sedan on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. Two women, the sedan's driver and front passenger, suffered back injuries and concussions. According to the police report, 'Following Too Closely' was listed as the main contributing factor. The truck's front end hit the sedan's rear, causing injury and damage. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report notes both injured occupants wore lap belts. The crash highlights the danger of close following and heavy vehicles on city highways.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809793 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Speed and Signals Ignored on 4th Avenue

Two cars collided at unsafe speed on 4th Avenue. One driver suffered neck injury. Police cite speed and traffic control ignored. Passengers shaken. Metal and glass, sudden stop, shock.

A sedan and an SUV crashed at 4th Avenue and 25th Street in Brooklyn. One driver, a 22-year-old man, suffered a neck injury and shock. Four others were listed as occupants, with unspecified injuries. According to the police report, the crash involved 'Unsafe Speed' and 'Traffic Control Disregarded.' Both vehicles showed front-end damage. These driver errors are central to the collision. Lap belts and harnesses were used by some occupants, as noted after the driver errors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809461 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Police Shoot Driver At Brooklyn Roadblock

A stolen Porsche sped through Brooklyn. Police set a trap. The driver tried to break through, nearly hitting an officer. A shot rang out. The car crashed. The driver died. The passenger survived. The street bore the cost.

According to the New York Post (April 30, 2025), police shot and killed the driver of a stolen Porsche after he "nearly struck an NYPD officer" while attempting to evade a roadblock near the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn. Officers first noticed the vehicle due to stolen plates and tried to pull it over on Cropsey Avenue. The driver fled, leading police to set up a blockade. As the car tried to pass, an officer fired one round, striking the driver. The wounded man crashed into a police car and was later pronounced dead at Brookdale Hospital. The passenger was unharmed and taken into custody. The incident highlights the risks of high-speed chases and roadblocks in dense urban areas, where bystanders and officers face sudden danger.


SUV Rear-End Crash Injures Brooklyn Passenger

SUV slammed into stopped car on 51st Street. Passenger struck her head. Police cite following too closely. Brooklyn night, metal and glass, pain and sirens.

A crash on 51st Street in Brooklyn left a female passenger injured when an SUV rear-ended another SUV stopped in traffic. According to the police report, the collision occurred when one vehicle was 'Following Too Closely.' The impact caused head injury and whiplash to the front passenger. The report lists 'Following Too Closely' as the driver error. No other contributing factors were noted.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809898 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Strikes, Injures Elderly Woman on 39th Street

A sedan hit a 76-year-old woman on 39th Street in Brooklyn. She suffered a back injury. Police cite 'Other Vehicular' as a factor. The street saw pain and shock. Metal met flesh. The city moved on.

A 76-year-old woman was injured in a crash involving a sedan on 39th Street near 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the crash involved a Toyota sedan traveling west and resulted in a back injury to the elderly driver, who was left in shock. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as a contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report does not specify further details about the cause, but the listed factor points to a vehicle-related issue. No helmet or signal use is mentioned.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808826 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Rear-Ends Sedan on Gowanus Expressway

A sedan slammed into another’s rear on the Gowanus Expressway. One driver suffered neck whiplash. Police cite following too closely. Metal, glass, pain. Brooklyn traffic grinds on.

Two sedans collided on the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn. One driver, age 25, was injured with neck whiplash. According to the police report, the crash was caused by 'Following Too Closely.' Both vehicles were traveling straight when the front of one sedan struck the back of the other. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report lists no other contributing factors. The injured driver was wearing a lap belt. The other occupants were not reported injured.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4808656 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Motorcycle Smashed by Sedan on Gowanus Ramp

A sedan merged into a motorcycle on Gowanus Ramp. The rider was hurt. Police cite driver inattention. Metal twisted. Bodies thrown. Danger rides the ramp.

A crash on the Gowanus Ramp in Brooklyn involved a sedan and a motorcycle. The motorcycle rider, a 41-year-old man, was injured across his entire body. According to the police report, 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' was a contributing factor. The sedan was merging when it struck the motorcycle, which was going straight. The motorcycle was demolished. The rider wore a helmet, as noted in the report. No pedestrians were involved. The toll: one injured, metal wrecked, another night of danger on city roads.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809212 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
E-Scooter Driver Hits Girl on Fourth Avenue

E-scooter struck a 12-year-old girl on Fourth Avenue. She suffered facial bruises. Police cite driver inattention and failure to yield. Streets remain perilous for Brooklyn’s young pedestrians.

A 12-year-old girl was injured when an e-scooter struck her as she got on or off a vehicle near 647 Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the girl suffered a facial contusion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' as contributing factors. The driver’s actions directly led to the collision. No helmet or signal issues were cited. The crash highlights ongoing risks for children navigating city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807912 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Unlicensed Driver Kills Brooklyn Matriarch

A 101-year-old woman crossed with the light. An SUV turned left. The driver was unlicensed. She died days later. Her family mourns. The street remains the same.

According to the New York Post (April 24, 2025), Taibel Brod, 101, was fatally struck by a 2023 GMC Yukon while crossing Brooklyn Avenue at Montgomery Street in Crown Heights. Police say Brod had the light. The driver, Menachem Shagalow, 65, was unlicensed and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and failure to exercise due care. The article quotes Brod's grandson: "She was extremely independent till her last day." Brod died less than two weeks after the crash. The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians, especially from unlicensed drivers. Shagalow was released with a desk appearance ticket. The case underscores persistent gaps in enforcement and street design that leave vulnerable road users exposed.


Cyclist Thrown After SUV Collision on 54th Street

A cyclist hit a stopped SUV on 54th Street. He flew from his bike, struck his head, and bled on the pavement. Police cite driver distraction. Three others in cars were not hurt.

A cyclist was injured after colliding with the back of a stopped SUV near 54th Street and 4th Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the cyclist was ejected from his bike and suffered head wounds and severe lacerations. Three vehicle occupants were unhurt. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as a contributing factor. Helmet use was listed as 'Unknown' and is noted only after the driver error. The crash highlights the danger posed by driver distraction, as documented in the official account.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806587 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Turns Left, Strikes Cyclist on 4th Ave

SUV turned left on 4th Ave. Cyclist hit, thrown, shoulder fractured. Streets in Brooklyn stay brutal for those on two wheels.

A cyclist riding north on 4th Ave at 42nd Street in Brooklyn was struck by an SUV making a left turn. According to the police report, the cyclist was ejected and suffered a fractured shoulder and dislocation. The SUV’s right side doors were damaged. The report lists all contributing factors as 'Unspecified.' No driver errors are noted in the data. The cyclist’s use of safety equipment is unknown. No injuries to the SUV occupants were specified.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806378 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04