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

Sedan Rear-Ends Car on Prospect Expressway

A sedan struck another car from behind on Prospect Expressway East. The driver, a woman, suffered neck injuries. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left one person hurt.

According to the police report, a 43-year-old woman driving a 2019 sedan south on Prospect Expressway East rear-ended another vehicle. She was the only person injured, suffering neck injuries described as whiplash. The report notes she was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The police report lists no specific contributing factors. The sedan struck the center back end of the other vehicle. No other injuries were reported.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801065 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Distracted Driver Hits Brooklyn Pedestrian

A sedan making a left turn struck a 28-year-old pedestrian outside an intersection in Brooklyn. The pedestrian suffered knee and lower leg bruises. The driver’s inattention caused the collision, with no vehicle damage reported.

According to the police report, a 2018 Toyota sedan traveling north in Brooklyn was making a left turn when it struck a 28-year-old male pedestrian who was not in the roadway and outside an intersection. The pedestrian sustained contusions and bruises to his knee, lower leg, and foot, with an injury severity rated as moderate. The report cites "Driver Inattention/Distraction" as the sole contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the sedan’s right front bumper, yet no vehicle damage was recorded. The pedestrian was conscious at the scene. The driver’s failure to maintain attention while executing the turn directly led to the collision, highlighting systemic dangers posed by distracted driving in urban environments.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800915 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Man

Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker flew through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection is known for danger. Delivery speed and city policy collide.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after being struck by an e-bike delivery worker who "sped through a stop sign" at Franklin and India streets in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Witness Jack Collins said, "He died basically on the spot." The e-bike rider remained at the scene; no arrests were made as the investigation continued. The article notes that the intersection is a known trouble spot, with Collins stating, "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The report highlights systemic issues: delivery app pressures, lack of regulation, and a street design that encourages risky moves. City data shows e-bikes account for a small share of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues.


Cyclist’s Leg Torn Open in Brooklyn Lane Change Crash

A young cyclist, riding south on 37th Street near 3rd Avenue, was struck hard. His left leg ripped open, blood pooling on the asphalt. The bike’s front crushed. Unsafe lane changing tore through flesh and steel. He stayed conscious.

A 20-year-old male cyclist suffered severe lacerations to his left leg after a violent collision on 37th Street near 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn, according to the police report. The report details that the cyclist, heading south, was struck with enough force to crush the bike’s front and leave blood pooling on the street. The police report cites 'Unsafe Lane Changing' as the primary contributing factor in the crash. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet, but the report does not list helmet use as a contributing factor. The victim remained conscious at the scene. The focus remains on the danger created by unsafe lane changes, as highlighted by the official report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800408 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Unlicensed Bicyclist Injured in Brooklyn Crash

A 17-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and injured on 51st Street in Brooklyn. The crash involved limited visibility, leading to a center front end impact. The rider suffered abrasions and lower arm injuries, riding without a helmet or license.

According to the police report, a 17-year-old male bicyclist was injured in a crash on 51st Street near 7th Avenue in Brooklyn at 1:55 PM. The bicyclist was ejected from his bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor, indicating that limited visibility played a role in the crash. The bicyclist was operating the vehicle without a license, as noted by the 'Unlicensed' status of the driver. The point of impact was the center front end of the bike, which also sustained damage. No victim behaviors such as helmet use or crossing signals were listed as contributing factors. The crash highlights the dangers posed by limited sight lines and unlicensed operation on city streets.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4802210 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
SUV Driver Injured in Belt Parkway Collision

A 78-year-old male driver suffered full-body injuries in a Belt Parkway crash. The SUV’s right front bumper struck an unknown object or vehicle. Police cite 'Other Vehicular' factors twice, highlighting driver error in a high-speed impact.

According to the police report, a 78-year-old male driver operating a 2024 Nissan SUV on Belt Parkway at 8:14 AM was injured in a collision. The vehicle was traveling east, going straight ahead, when the right front bumper struck an object or another vehicle. The driver sustained injuries to his entire body but was conscious and restrained by a lap belt. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' as the contributing factor twice, indicating driver-related errors or conditions involving other vehicles. The point of impact was the right front quarter panel, resulting in damage to that area. No pedestrian or cyclist was involved, and no victim behaviors were noted as contributing factors. The crash underscores systemic dangers on Belt Parkway involving vehicle interactions and driver errors.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799801 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Two Sedans Collide on Gowanus Expressway

Two sedans collided head-on on the Gowanus Expressway at 4 a.m. Unsafe speed caused the crash. A 29-year-old female front passenger suffered chest injuries and shock. Both vehicles sustained front-end damage in the westbound lanes.

According to the police report, two sedans traveling westbound on the Gowanus Expressway collided head-on at 4:00 a.m. The point of impact was the center front end of both vehicles. The report cites unsafe speed as the contributing factor to the crash, indicating driver error. One vehicle, a 2019 Mercedes with two occupants, included a 29-year-old female front passenger who was injured with chest trauma and shock, complaining of pain and nausea. Both drivers were licensed in New York and were going straight ahead prior to the collision. Vehicle damage was concentrated at the center front ends, confirming the head-on nature of the impact. No other contributing factors or victim behaviors were noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799387 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
2
Sedan Rear-Ended by Tractor Truck on Gowanus Expy

A tractor truck struck a sedan from behind on the Gowanus Expressway. Both sedan occupants suffered moderate injuries including chest contusions and whiplash. Police cited following too closely and unsafe speed as contributing factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred on the Gowanus Expressway around 12:30 AM. A 2024 tractor truck traveling east collided with the rear center of a 2016 sedan also traveling east. The sedan had two occupants: a 24-year-old male driver and a 27-year-old female front passenger. Both were injured with moderate severity—chest contusions for the driver and whiplash for the passenger. Both occupants were conscious and restrained with lap belts and harnesses. The report identifies the tractor truck driver’s errors as 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed,' which contributed to the rear-end collision. The sedan driver was also noted for 'Following Too Closely.' No victim behaviors were listed as contributing factors. The impact damaged the center front end of the truck and the center back end of the sedan.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798605 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan Strikes Helmeted Bicyclist in Brooklyn

A 24-year-old bicyclist was ejected and injured in Brooklyn when a sedan entering a parked position collided with him. The impact to the bicyclist’s chest caused shock and pain. Driver distraction and bicyclist confusion contributed to the crash.

According to the police report, a 24-year-old male bicyclist wearing a helmet was riding northbound on 43rd Street in Brooklyn when a 2015 Toyota sedan, also traveling north, was entering a parked position. The sedan’s right front quarter panel struck the bicyclist’s left front bumper, ejecting him and causing chest injuries and shock. The bicyclist complained of pain and nausea. The report cites driver inattention or distraction as a contributing factor, alongside bicyclist confusion or error. The driver was licensed and operating the vehicle legally. The collision highlights the dangers posed by distracted driving and the challenges bicyclists face when vehicles maneuver into parking spots.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4800046 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
E-Bike Strikes Parked BMW, Rider Ejected

An e-bike rider collided with a parked BMW on 61st Street in Brooklyn. The 57-year-old bicyclist was ejected, suffering internal injuries to the abdomen and pelvis. Police cited improper lane usage as a contributing factor in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 12:37 PM on 61st Street in Brooklyn. A 57-year-old male bicyclist riding an e-bike traveling north struck the left rear quarter panel of a parked 2016 BMW sedan. The bicyclist was ejected from the vehicle and sustained internal injuries to the abdomen and pelvis, resulting in unconsciousness. The report lists 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' as a driver error contributing to the collision. The BMW was stationary before impact. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The report also notes 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' but does not specify this as a contributing factor to the injury. The focus remains on the improper lane use by the e-bike rider leading to the crash with the parked vehicle.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4798546 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Ambulance Right Turn Hits E-Scooter Rider

An ambulance making a right turn struck a 31-year-old male e-scooter rider in Brooklyn. The rider suffered facial abrasions and was conscious at the scene. Police cited failure to yield right-of-way and unsafe speed as key factors in the crash.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 7:09 AM near Fort Hamilton Parkway in Brooklyn. The ambulance was making a right turn when it collided with the e-scooter, which was traveling straight ahead. The e-scooter rider, a 31-year-old male wearing a helmet, sustained abrasions to his face and was conscious after the impact. The report lists 'Failure to Yield Right-of-Way' by the ambulance driver and 'Unsafe Speed' by the e-scooter rider as contributing factors. Additionally, 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' was noted, indicating rider error but no fault was assigned to the victim. The ambulance sustained no damage, while the e-scooter showed damage to its center front end. The rider was not ejected from the vehicle.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4797846 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Repeat Offender Kills Passenger In Brooklyn Crash

A driver out on bail smashed into a Toyota in Bushwick. The crash killed Hayden Wallace and injured three others. The driver fled, leaving chaos behind. Police tracked him for over a year. Charges stack up, but the loss remains.

NY Daily News (March 8, 2025) reports that Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested after a deadly hit-and-run in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Seabrook had been out on bail for a previous crash involving police. On January 8, 2024, he crashed into a Toyota, killing Hayden Wallace and injuring three others. Seabrook fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle. The article notes, "All accidents are useless but this one was even more useless because [Seabrook] had so many other offenses." Seabrook faces 23 charges, including manslaughter, leaving the scene, unlicensed driving, and speeding. The case highlights repeated driver offenses and questions about bail and enforcement. Police needed over a year to arrest Seabrook, who had a history of fleeing crashes and driving without a license.


Distracted Taxi Driver Struck Moped Rider

A taxi driver distracted by inattention was struck by a southbound moped on 5th Avenue. The moped rider was ejected, left unconscious, and suffered severe hip and leg injuries.

According to the police report, a crash occurred at 3:43 AM on 5th Avenue in Brooklyn. A taxi, parked and facing south, was struck on its left rear bumper by a southbound moped. The moped rider, a male wearing a helmet, was ejected and rendered unconscious with fractures and dislocations to his hip and upper leg. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' and 'Unsafe Speed' as contributing factors. The collision left the moped's center front end and the taxi's left rear bumper damaged. No blame is assigned to the injured rider.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796742 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Dump Truck Kills Pedestrian in Williamsburg

A dump truck turned right on Withers Street. The driver hit a man crouched for food. The man died at Elmhurst Hospital. The driver fled. Police are still searching. Brooklyn’s streets remain deadly for those on foot.

Gothamist reported on March 3, 2025, that a dump truck driver fatally struck a man in his 20s on Withers Street near Woodpoint Road, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The man was kneeling in the street to pick up food when the truck, turning right, hit him. According to police, 'the driver, a 49-year-old man, left the scene.' The NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad is investigating. No arrests have been made. The article notes this was one of several fatal crashes in Brooklyn that week, highlighting persistent dangers for pedestrians. NYPD data shows at least 10 traffic deaths in Brooklyn so far this year, matching last year’s pace. The driver’s failure to remain at the scene underscores ongoing issues with hit-and-runs and enforcement.


Pedestrian Suffers Head Injury in Brooklyn Crash

A 45-year-old woman suffered a concussion and head injury after being struck at a Brooklyn intersection. The pedestrian was conscious but seriously hurt. The crash details remain unclear, with no identified driver errors or contributing factors reported.

According to the police report, a 45-year-old female pedestrian was injured at the intersection of 5 Ave and 53 St in Brooklyn around 10:50 p.m. She sustained a head injury and concussion and was conscious at the scene. The report lists no contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The vehicle involved is unspecified, and no details about the driver or vehicle actions are provided. The pedestrian's actions are unknown, and no victim behaviors are cited as contributing factors. The lack of identified driver errors in the report leaves the circumstances of the crash unclear, but the serious injury to the pedestrian highlights the dangers present at this intersection.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796257 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Unlicensed Driver Flees Fatal Brooklyn Crash

A man sped through a stop sign in Brownsville. His Mercedes hit a school bus. His passenger died. He ran from the wreck in a taxi. Police found him later. The victim’s family mourns. The street remains unchanged.

NY Daily News reported on March 2, 2025, that Tyree Epps, 32, drove a Mercedes-Benz without a license, ran a stop sign on Van Sinderen Ave, and crashed into a school bus. The article states, “After the crash, Epps hopped in a taxi and took off, leaving his 26-year-old passenger, Imani Vance, in the front seat suffering severe head trauma.” Epps faces charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, and unlicensed driving. The bus driver survived. The crash exposes ongoing risks from unlicensed, reckless drivers and the persistent danger at city intersections. The victim’s family is left to grieve and organize a funeral, while the intersection remains a site of loss.


Bushwick Hit-And-Run Kills Passenger

A Kia slammed into a Toyota on Stockholm Street. Hayden Wallace, 29, died. Two friends survived with critical wounds. The driver fled. Police arrested Christopher Seabrook. The crash left a new life cut short, a city shaken.

According to the NY Daily News (published March 1, 2025), Christopher Seabrook, 28, was arrested for the hit-and-run crash that killed Hayden Wallace, 29, in Bushwick on January 8, 2024. Seabrook allegedly crashed a Kia Sportage into a Toyota Yaris carrying Wallace and friends, then fled the scene on foot. Wallace died; two others were critically injured. The Toyota’s driver was also charged with driving without a license. Seabrook faces charges including manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and leaving the scene. The article quotes Wallace’s aunt: “He lived life to the fullest. He was only 29 years old and lit up every room he entered.” The case highlights the deadly consequences of reckless driving and fleeing crash scenes in New York City.


Bicyclist Ejected, Suffers Severe Leg Injuries

A 42-year-old male bicyclist was ejected and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The crash occurred on Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn. The cyclist was conscious but seriously injured, with no safety equipment worn.

According to the police report, a 42-year-old male bicyclist traveling north on Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn was ejected from his bike and suffered fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The bicyclist was conscious after the crash but sustained serious injuries classified as severity level 3. The report notes no damage to the bike and does not list any other vehicles involved. No driver errors or contributing factors were specified in the report. The bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment at the time of the crash. The absence of listed driver errors or other contributing factors highlights the systemic danger faced by bicyclists even when no other vehicles are involved.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795106 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
2
Taxi Collides with Parked Sedan on 4 Ave

A taxi traveling east struck a parked sedan on southbound 4 Ave in Brooklyn. The impact injured the taxi driver and front passenger, both in shock with severe injuries. The parked vehicle sustained left-side damage. No driver errors were cited.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 14:45 on 4 Ave in Brooklyn. A taxi, traveling eastbound, collided with a sedan that was parked and facing southbound. The point of impact was the taxi's center front end striking the sedan's center back end, causing damage to the sedan's left side doors. The taxi driver, a 40-year-old male, and a 59-year-old female front passenger were both injured with bodily injuries described as affecting the entire body and chest, respectively. Both occupants were in shock and restrained by lap belts and harnesses. The report does not list any contributing factors or driver errors such as failure to yield or speeding. The collision involved no ejections or pedestrian victims, focusing on vehicle-to-vehicle impact and occupant injuries.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4796424 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04
Sedan with Defective Brakes Hits Bicyclist

A sedan making a left turn struck a northbound bicyclist on 42nd Street in Brooklyn. The cyclist was ejected and suffered severe leg fractures. Police cite defective brakes on the sedan as a key factor in the crash.

According to the police report, a 2023 Ford sedan was making a left turn on 42nd Street in Brooklyn at 9:23 AM when it collided with a northbound bicyclist. The bicyclist, a 23-year-old male, was ejected from his bike and sustained fractures and dislocations to his knee, lower leg, and foot. The report identifies the sedan driver's defective brakes as the primary contributing factor to the crash. The point of impact was the right side doors of the sedan and the center front end of the bike. The sedan had two occupants, and the driver held a permit license. The bicyclist was conscious but seriously injured. No other contributing factors related to the victim were noted in the report.


  • Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4795245 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-08-04