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

The Weekly Carnage is a Friday round-up of motor vehicle violence across the five boroughs. For more on the origins and purpose of this column, please read About the Weekly Carnage.

A hit-and-run driver killed Guler Ugur-Yaacobi in Morningside Heights on New Year’s Eve. Prezidor Porbeni was later charged with felony leaving the scene and unlicensed driving, court records say. NYPD and Manhattan DA Cy Vance did not charge Porbeni for causing a death. Photo: LinkedIn via Daily News
A hit-and-run driver killed pedestrian Guler Ugur-Yaacobi in Morningside Heights on New Year’s Eve. Prezidor Porbeni was later charged with felony leaving the scene and unlicensed driving, court records say. NYPD and Manhattan DA Cy Vance did not charge Porbeni for causing a death. Photo: LinkedIn via Daily News
A hit-and-run driver killed Guler Ugur-Yaacobi in Morningside Heights on New Year’s Eve. Prezidor Porbeni was later charged with felony leaving the scene and unlicensed driving, court records say. NYPD and Manhattan DA Cy Vance did not charge Porbeni for causing a death. Photo: LinkedIn via Daily News

Fatal Crashes (4 Killed Since Jan. 1*, 1 Driver Charged**)

    • Upper East Side: Wesley Mensing, 27, Struck by Uber Driver While Crossing Street With Girlfriend, Who Was Injured; No Charges Filed (Streetsblog 1, 2)
    • Edenwald: Dylon Ramirez, 16, Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver; 15-Year-Old Girl Critical (News,Post
    • Morningside Heights: Guler Ugur-Yaacobi, 44, Killed in Hit-and-Run on New Years Eve; Driver Later Charged With Leaving Scene, Driving With Suspended License (News, DNA)****
    • Verrazano-Narrows Bridge: Thomas Choi, 62, Struck in 2013, Dies From Injuries (WCBS)****
    • Cross Bronx Expressway: Pamela Pimental, 27, Killed When Driver Rear-Ends Livery Cab; Driver Charged With Homicide, DWI (Post)
    • Kensington: Jose Hoffman, 56, Killed in Four-Car Crash; 1 Injured (Bklyn Paper)

Injuries, Arrests, and Property Damage

    • Cobble Hill: Drunk Driver Smashes Into Bar Storefront (DNA)***
    • East Flatbush: 23 Injured, Three Critically, When Driver Triggers Crash Involving MTA Bus (News)
    • DSNY Truck Driver and Livery Cab Driver Collide as Both Attempt Turns (DNA)
    • Hudson Square: Man Hits Parked Cars, Port Authority Cruiser, Threatens Police (NewsDNA)
    • Laurelton: Driver Flips Car at Belt Parkway and Francis Lewis Boulevard (@NYScanner)
    • Old Town: Drunk Driver Backs Into Parked Ambulance, Twice (Advance)
    • Kensington: NYPD Officer Injured in Joyride on Cruiser's Hood (NewsPostWCBSBklyn Paper)
    • Lighthouse Hill: Driver Arrested for DWI After Crashing Into Rock Barrier (DNA)
    • Great Kills: Driver With Nearly Three Times the Legal BAC Crashes Into Telephone Pole (Advance)

* Based on latest available reports
** Drivers known to have been charged for causing a death in 2015
*** Incident in which a vehicle left the roadway
**** Crash occurred prior to 2015 and is not included in count

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Gov. Hochul Just Says ‘Way-No’ to Driverless Cabs Across NYS

The governor made the shocking choice to reverse her budget proposal that allowed companies like Waymo to expand throughout the state.

February 20, 2026

Friday Video: How Many ‘Better Billion’ Plans Are There?

Apparently, there are lots of better ways to spend $1 billion.

February 20, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: You’ve Gov To See It For Yourself Edition

South Bronx anti-highway advocates want Gov. Hochul to come see the site of her proposed Cross Bronx widening for herself. Plus more news.

February 20, 2026

SEE IT: Placard Corruption at Antonio Reynoso’s Brooklyn Borough Hall

The progressive darling promised to end the rampant practice of illegal parking around Borough Hall — but has resumed his corrupt predecessor’s practice.

February 19, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Set Our Calendar Edition

The next four weeks are setting up to be the World Cup tournament of the livable streets movement. Plus other news.

February 19, 2026

Cycle Club Sues City, Calling Central Park Bike Speed Limit A ‘Real Threat’ To Active Transportation

The oldest recreational bike club sued the city alleging it overstepped with 15 mile per hour speed limit in Central Park.

February 18, 2026
See all posts