Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Carnage

Garodnick Wants NYPD Investigation Into Death of Pedestrian Rubin Baum

Rubin and Denise Baum

City Council Member Dan Garodnick is asking NYPD for a "full investigation" into the weekend crash that killed Upper East Side pedestrian Rubin Baum.

The news went out on Garodnick's Twitter feed earlier today.

Baum and his wife Denise were struck at Park Avenue and E. 59th Street on Saturday, September 22, as the couple attempted to hail a cab. According to reports, the driver of a Mazda sedan ran a red light and struck a minivan. The Mazda spun into the Baums, killing Mr. Baum and injuring Mrs. Baum.

Baum was an 80-year-old decorated Korean War vet. His father was killed at the hands of a Manhattan motorist in 1977.

"If cars are obeying traffic laws, accidents like the one that led to Rubin Baum's tragic death would be avoided," said Garodnick in a written statement to Streetsblog. "I want to make sure the NYPD gives this and similar cases the attention they deserve."

Only about half of New York City motorists who kill pedestrians and cyclists are cited for careless driving. Unless a motorist is under the influence, and the evidence holds up in court, criminal charges against drivers who maim and kill are extremely rare. Drivers who take a life can expect to retain or regain their driving privileges, even in cases involving alcohol or drugs.

A few hours after Baum was killed, NYPD announced to the media that "no criminality was suspected."

In response to our e-mail from earlier this week, Erin Duggan, communications director for Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, said, "We decline to comment on individual investigations, but the DA’s office reviews all fatal crashes in Manhattan.”

Baum was the 27th Manhattan pedestrian or cyclist known killed by a motorist in 2012. To date, no motorists are known to have been charged for causing a death in any of those crashes.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Analysis: Residential Parking Permits Would Be Bad for City Streets

Congestion pricing isn't driving more people to park Uptown — and even if it did, "hunting licenses" for parking spots wouldn't help.

February 18, 2025

Too Much Illegal Parking Prompts Community Board to Reject New Housing

Even after the city greatly reduced parking mandates in the City of Yes initiative, parking is still at the center of many debates about new housing.

February 18, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: A Mayor Without an Administration Edition

Four deputy mayors are resigning. Where does that leave our fair city? Plus other news?

February 18, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Presidents Day Edition

We'll take the day off for the holiday, but we'll still give you a full roundup of news.

February 17, 2025

State DOT Finally Offers Up Proposal To Repair the Cross Bronx Without Expanding It

An option that doesn't involve a parallel road that carries highway traffic but still creates a new east-west connection, had not initially been on the table.

February 17, 2025
See all posts