Alberto Serrano Killed in Brooklyn, Driver Charged With Manslaughter

A driver has been charged with manslaughter and homicide for the hit-and-run death of a Brooklyn pedestrian.

Police say Alberto Serrano, 31, was struck down by Javier Hernandez on 51st Street at Third Avenue, a few blocks from Serrano's home in Sunset Park, at around 7 p.m. Monday. Serrano, a husband and father of two young daughters, suffered severe head trauma and died at Lutheran Hospital, according to reports.

Hernandez was charged with second degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene, reckless driving, failure to obey a traffic control signal, and speeding, according to the office of Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes.

It is not often that charges are brought against a sober driver for killing a New York City pedestrian or cyclist, even when the motorist flees the scene. On the rare occasion that such cases are pursued, thanks to rickety state laws and courts that tend to coddle killers who commit their crimes behind the wheel, justice is far from assured. We will follow the case against Javier Hernandez as it develops.

This fatal crash occurred in the 72nd Precinct. To voice your concerns about neighborhood traffic safety directly to Captain James Grant, the commanding officer, go to the next precinct community council meeting. The 72nd Precinct council meetings happen at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at Mariem Heim Center, 4520 4th Avenue. Call the precinct at 718-965-6326 for information.

The City Council district where Alberto Serrano was killed is represented by Sara González. To encourage González to take action to improve street safety in her district and citywide, contact her at 212-788-7372 or sgonzalez@council.nyc.gov.