Eight Dead, No Excuses: Precinct 88’s Streets Are Killing Us

May 2 - A stolen Porsche sped down the Belt Parkway. Police set a roadblock. The driver swerved, nearly hitting a lieutenant. A shot rang out. The car crashed. One man died. The state investigates. The road stayed dangerous.

ABC7 reported on May 2, 2025, that a man was killed after a police-involved shooting during a stolen car stop in Brooklyn. Officers, following new NYPD pursuit rules, did not chase but instead set a roadblock. According to NYPD Chief John Chell, 'We didn't pursue the vehicle, we strategically radioed ahead to shut down traffic.' The driver, Jumaane Wright, swerved toward officers, nearly striking a lieutenant, who fired a single shot. Wright crashed a mile later and died at the hospital. The Attorney General's investigation is standard for such incidents. The case highlights risks in high-speed police interventions and the ongoing challenge of balancing pursuit policies with public safety.

• Police Roadblock Ends In Fatal Crash, ABC7, Published 2025-05-02

Apr 30 - A driver sped through a police blockade on the Belt Parkway. He nearly hit a lieutenant. The officer fired. The driver died at the scene. A passenger was arrested. The lieutenant suffered minor injuries. The road closed for investigation.

amNY reported on April 30, 2025, that NYPD officers shot and killed a driver in Brooklyn after a chase on the Belt Parkway. Police said the car had mismatched, stolen Pennsylvania plates. Chief John Chell stated, "They observed a suspicious Porsche with suspicious plates." Officers tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled, re-entered the parkway, and drove through a police blockade, nearly striking a lieutenant. The officer fired, hitting the driver in the chest. The driver died at the scene. A passenger was detained. The article highlights the risks of high-speed chases and the dangers posed by erratic driving and police intervention on city roads.

• Police Kill Driver After Parkway Chase, amny, Published 2025-04-30

Apr 29 - Two sedans crashed on Tillary Street. Passengers suffered head and back injuries. Police cite driver distraction. Metal and glass, pain and confusion, all in a Brooklyn instant.

Two sedans collided on Tillary Street near Park Avenue in Brooklyn. According to the police report, driver inattention and distraction led to the crash. A 26-year-old male passenger suffered a head injury and whiplash. A 33-year-old male driver reported back pain and nausea. Both vehicles sustained damage to their front and back ends. The report lists 'Driver Inattention/Distraction' as the contributing factor. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The crash left passengers hurt and exposed the danger of distraction behind the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4809047 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Apr 25 - A driver turned left and struck a woman crossing in East New York. The crash killed her. Police charged the driver months later. The street stayed busy. The danger stayed real.

NY Daily News reported on April 25, 2025, that Megan Martin, 30, was arrested for fatally striking Janet Henriquez, 57, at Blake Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn. The crash happened on January 24, just before 9:00 a.m. Police said Martin was making a left turn when she hit Henriquez, who was crossing the street. Charges include failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care. The article notes, 'Megan Martin was arrested on Wednesday following a police investigation.' The case highlights persistent risks at busy intersections and the consequences when drivers do not yield to people crossing.

• Driver Charged After Brooklyn Pedestrian Death, NY Daily News, Published 2025-04-25

Apr 24 - A 101-year-old woman crossed with the signal. An unlicensed driver turned left and struck her. She died days later. The driver was arrested at the scene. Another deadly crash by an unlicensed driver happened nearby just a week before.

The Brooklyn Paper (April 24, 2025) reports that Taibel Brod, age 101, was hit by a 2023 GMC Yukon while crossing Brooklyn Avenue at Montgomery Street with the walk signal. Police say the driver, Menachem Shagalow, was unlicensed and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to exercise due care, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Brod died from her injuries at Maimonides Medical Center on April 20. The article notes, 'Menachem was arrested at 8:37 p.m. on April 8 shortly after the incident.' This crash follows another fatal collision involving a suspended driver in Brooklyn the previous week. The incidents highlight ongoing dangers from unlicensed drivers and raise questions about enforcement and systemic safety failures.

• Unlicensed Driver Kills Pedestrian in Brooklyn, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-24

Apr 19 - A moped and car collided on Washington Ave. The moped driver suffered hip and leg injuries. Police cite vehicular factors. The crash left the street scarred and the rider hurt.

A moped and a car crashed on Washington Ave near Park Ave in Brooklyn. The 33-year-old moped driver was injured in the hip and upper leg and reported whiplash. According to the police report, 'Other Vehicular' factors contributed to the crash. The moped was struck at the center back end, while the car was damaged at the front. The driver wore a helmet, as noted in the report, but the main cause listed was vehicular error. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807248 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Apr 19 - An SUV struck a cyclist on DeKalb Ave. The rider suffered leg injuries. Police cite vehicular factors and confusion. No one else was hurt. The crash left the street scarred and silent.

A 21-year-old cyclist was injured after a collision with an SUV on DeKalb Ave at S Elliott Pl in Brooklyn. According to the police report, the cyclist suffered knee and lower leg injuries. The report lists 'Other Vehicular' and 'Pedestrian/Bicyclist/Other Pedestrian Error/Confusion' as contributing factors. The cyclist was wearing a helmet. No other occupants or drivers reported injuries. The crash involved a bike, an SUV, and a sedan. Police cited vehicular factors and confusion as causes. No blame is placed on the injured cyclist.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4807394 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Apr 18 - Two sedans crashed on Park Ave in Brooklyn. Three men injured, arms and shoulders hit. Police say one driver fell asleep. Shock followed. Metal twisted. Streets stayed dangerous.

Two sedans collided on Park Ave near Classon Ave in Brooklyn. Three men, ages 33, 50, and 59, suffered arm and shoulder injuries. According to the police report, one driver 'fell asleep,' causing the crash. The impact left all three injured men in shock. No pedestrians or cyclists were involved. The report lists 'Fell Asleep' as the primary contributing factor. No other driver errors are noted. The crash highlights the risk when drivers lose control at the wheel.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4806574 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Apr 16 - New research from Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets announced a report detailing NYC's top 10 super speeders.

• Road report: Here’s where lead-foot drivers repeatedly get speed-camera tickets in NYC, The Brooklyn Paper, Published 2025-04-16

Apr 9 - A school bus tore through a fence in Ditmas Park. An eight-year-old boy and his mother took the brunt. Broken arm. Head and neck wounds. The bus mounted the sidewalk, iron twisted, cinderblock shattered. The driver stayed. The street stayed dangerous.

CBS New York reported on April 9, 2025, that a school bus crashed into a fence at Bedford Avenue and Farragut Road in Brooklyn, injuring an 8-year-old boy and his 43-year-old mother. The article quotes Councilmember Farrah Louis: "It appeared the driver was driving and hit the gas instead of the brakes, trying to avoid another car, and that's how he crashed." No students were on the bus at the time. The victims were hospitalized with serious injuries. Witnesses described the bus waiting for a pedestrian before suddenly jumping the curb and smashing through the fence. The incident highlights ongoing traffic dangers in the area and raises questions about driver error and the need for improved street safety.

• School Bus Slams Fence In Brooklyn, CBS New York, Published 2025-04-09

Apr 2 - A car plowed through families on Ocean Parkway. Three killed. Survivors hurt, shaken, haunted. The driver had a suspended license, dozens of violations, unpaid fines. The city’s streets failed to protect the most vulnerable. Pain lingers. Justice waits.

ABC7 reported on April 2, 2025, that a crash in Brooklyn killed a mother and her two daughters, leaving another family injured and traumatized. The article states, “Shakhzod described ongoing back pain and fears of another accident.” The driver, Miriam Yarimi, had 93 violations, $10,000 in unpaid fines, and a suspended license. She struck an Uber, then hit families crossing Ocean Parkway, flipping her vehicle. Yarimi faces charges including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The crash exposes systemic failure: a driver with a long record remained on the road. Survivors suffer lasting physical and emotional wounds. The city’s enforcement and oversight remain under scrutiny.

• Brooklyn Crash Leaves Family Scarred, Three Dead, ABC7, Published 2025-04-02

Apr 1 - A mother and two children died on Ocean Parkway. A driver with a suspended license and a record of violations struck them. The road has claimed many lives before. Residents see speeding daily. Calls for change echo. Danger remains.

The New York Post (April 1, 2025) reports that Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn has seen 20 deaths since 2014, with nearly 2,400 injuries since 2012. On March 30, Miriam Yarimi, driving with a suspended license and 93 prior traffic violations, crashed into an Uber and then into a family, killing Natasha Saada and two of her children. A third child remains in critical condition. The article quotes Ben Furnas of Transportation Alternatives: Ocean Parkway is 'one of Brooklyn's most dangerous roads.' Residents and advocates demand stronger safety measures, including speed-limiting technology for repeat offenders. Mayor Eric Adams is open to lowering the speed limit, but state approval is needed. Despite Vision Zero, Ocean Parkway remains hazardous for pedestrians.

• Ocean Parkway Crash Exposes Deadly Pattern, New York Post, Published 2025-04-01

Mar 31 - A speeding Audi struck a mother and her daughters in a Brooklyn crosswalk. The crash killed three. The youngest son was left fighting for life. The driver, with a long record of violations, now faces manslaughter charges.

According to the New York Post (March 31, 2025), Miriam Yarimi drove her Audi through a Brooklyn crosswalk, killing Natasha Saada and her daughters, Diana and Debra. Saada’s 4-year-old son was critically injured. Police said the victims were 'legally crossing the street in a crosswalk when the driver's speeding Audi struck them.' Yarimi’s car had over 93 traffic violations. She told first responders she was 'possessed' and is undergoing psychiatric evaluation. The article notes Yarimi’s history of paranoid social media posts and erratic behavior. She has been charged with manslaughter. The crash highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians and raises questions about enforcement against repeat traffic offenders.

• Brooklyn Driver Kills Mother, Two Daughters, New York Post, Published 2025-03-31

Mar 30 - A car struck a family in a Brooklyn crosswalk. A mother and two daughters died. Her young son was left in critical condition. The driver faced charges. The street showed the scars. Mourners filled the night.

The New York Times (March 30, 2025) reported a deadly crash at Ocean Parkway and Quentin Road, Brooklyn. Miriam Yarimi, driving with a suspended license, "barreled into a silver Toyota Camry" before veering into a crosswalk and hitting Natasha Saada and her children. Yarimi was charged with manslaughter, reckless driving, and other offenses. The Audi she drove had a record of 99 violations, including red-light and school-zone speeding tickets. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, "This was a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road." The crash highlights persistent dangers for pedestrians and ongoing issues with enforcement and accountability for repeat traffic offenders.

• Brooklyn Crash Kills Mother, Two Children, The New York Times, Published 2025-03-30

Mar 29 - A car slammed through a Brooklyn crosswalk. A mother and two daughters died. Her young son clings to life. Metal and glass scattered. Sirens wailed. The driver, unlicensed, faces manslaughter. Ocean Parkway became a scene of sudden loss.

CBS New York reported on March 29, 2025, that a crash on Ocean Parkway killed a mother and her two daughters, ages 5 and 8, while her 4-year-old son was left in critical condition. Police say a Toyota Camry, turning right, was rear-ended by an Audi sedan. The impact pushed the Camry aside, and the Audi continued forward, striking the family in a crosswalk before overturning. The Audi's driver, Miriam Yarimi, 32, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Police said she was driving on a suspended license. Investigators are examining whether she ran a red light or was speeding. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, 'This was a horrific tragedy caused by someone who shouldn't have been on the road.' The incident highlights ongoing risks for pedestrians and questions about enforcement of license suspensions.

• Brooklyn Crash Kills Mother, Two Children, CBS New York, Published 2025-03-29

Mar 25 - A parked sedan was struck on its left side doors in Brooklyn. The driver, a 39-year-old man, suffered abrasions and injuries to his elbow and lower arm. Limited view contributed to the collision, highlighting risks of obstructed sight lines.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 10:00 AM near Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. A 2013 BMW sedan was parked when it was struck on the left side doors. The driver, a 39-year-old male occupant, sustained abrasions and injuries to his elbow, lower arm, and hand, classified as injury severity level 3. The report cites 'View Obstructed/Limited' as a contributing factor to the collision. Both involved vehicles were parked at the time, with the box truck showing no damage. The driver of the sedan was not ejected and was not using any safety equipment. The data indicates no driver error beyond limited visibility, emphasizing systemic dangers posed by obstructed views in vehicle environments.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4801122 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 23 - Luis Cruz stepped from his car. An e-bike delivery worker sped through a stop sign. The crash was sudden. Cruz died on the street. The rider stayed. The intersection has seen this before. The system pushes speed. The danger remains.

Gothamist reported on March 23, 2025, that Luis Cruz, 49, died after an e-bike delivery worker "sped through a stop sign" and struck him as he exited his double-parked car 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. The article notes this intersection is known for frequent stop sign violations: "It's not a unicorn incident. It's happened a lot." The piece highlights systemic issues, including delivery app pressures and gaps in e-bike regulation. City data shows e-bikes account for less than 2% of traffic deaths, but the policy debate continues. Lawmakers have called for tighter rules, as delivery workers face incentives to rush.

• E-Bike Rider Runs Stop, Kills Pedestrian, Gothamist, Published 2025-03-23

Mar 16 - Sedan slammed van’s rear as it changed lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Van driver suffered back injury and whiplash. Police cited improper passing and close following by sedan.

According to the police report, a sedan struck the left rear quarter panel of a van changing lanes on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway near Flushing Avenue at 3:00 AM. The van driver, a 30-year-old woman, was injured with back pain and whiplash. Police listed 'Passing or Lane Usage Improper' and 'Passing Too Closely' as contributing factors, pointing to driver error by the sedan operator. The van driver was conscious, not ejected, and wore a lap belt and harness. The sedan’s right front bumper was damaged. The report does not mention any actions by the van driver contributing to the crash.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799300 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 15 - BMW rear-ends Tesla near midnight on Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Metal folds. Four men bleed and reel from whiplash and cuts. Police cite following too closely and unsafe speed. Pain lingers. The road stays cold.

According to the police report, a BMW sedan struck a Tesla sedan from behind on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway just before midnight. The BMW driver was cited for 'Following Too Closely' and 'Unsafe Speed.' Both cars were traveling straight. The impact crushed the Tesla’s rear, injuring four male passengers and drivers. One young man suffered severe facial lacerations; others sustained whiplash, concussion, and shock. All wore seat belts. No contributing factors were attributed to the victims. The crash highlights the danger of driver errors—following too closely and speeding—on New York highways.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799341 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09

Mar 15 - A sedan driver disregarded traffic control and collided with a northbound bicyclist on Hall Street in Brooklyn. The 56-year-old female cyclist was ejected and suffered abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The sedan showed no damage.

According to the police report, the crash occurred at 13:35 on Hall Street in Brooklyn. A sedan traveling south was starting from a parking position when it struck a bicyclist traveling northbound. The contributing factor cited is 'Traffic Control Disregarded' by the sedan driver. The bicyclist, a 56-year-old female, was ejected from her bike and sustained abrasions and injuries to her knee, lower leg, and foot. The report notes the bicyclist was not wearing any safety equipment. The sedan, driven by a licensed male driver, sustained no damage despite the impact occurring at the right front bumper. The collision highlights the dangers posed by drivers ignoring traffic controls, resulting in serious injuries to vulnerable road users.

• Motor Vehicle Collisions – CrashID 4799293 - Crashes, Persons, Vehicles , NYC Open Data, Accessed 2025-11-09