NYPD filed no charges after a vehicle collision that resulted in the death of a man who was walking on a sidewalk in Hell's Kitchen.
Last Friday at approximately 9:45 p.m., 56-year-old Victor Grant was walking on 11th Avenue just south of W. 42nd Street when the drivers of a GMC SUV and a FedEx Freightliner truck collided on the avenue, according to reports. The SUV driver then jumped the curb, pinning Grant beneath the truck, the Daily News reported.
The crash occurred outside a FedEx facility located on the southeast corner of the intersection. Photos published by the Daily News show the SUV on the sidewalk next to the building, with a toppled fire hydrant on the street. It is unknown if the FedEx driver was en route to or from the FedEx building.
Grant, who lived in the Bronx, was pronounced dead at Bellevue Hospital, according to News 12. No charges were filed against either driver by NYPD or Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance.
The Post reported that both drivers passed a Breathalyzer test at the scene, but media accounts did not mention driver speed, which was likely a factor in the crash. A woman interviewed by NY1 said the intersection of 11th Avenue and 42nd Street, in the theater district, is "very dangerous, especially at night."
As of April, officers from the 10th Precinct, where the crash occurred, had issued just 31 speeding tickets in 2015. The precinct didn’t cite a single driver for speeding last month.
When I called the NYPD public information office for an update on the crash, Detective Kelly Ort instructed me to submit my request by email. I sent the email, but since the NYPD press shop does not respond to email queries, at least from me, this is the department's way of declining comment.
Cy Vance's office does not comment on crash investigations, open or closed.
When I called FedEx, company spokesperson Sharon Young sent the following generic statement:
We are deeply saddened by this loss and our heartfelt sympathies and condolences are extended to the loves [sic] ones. We are cooperating with police in their investigation.
To voice your concerns about neighborhood traffic safety directly to Deputy Inspector Michele Irizarry, 10th Precinct commanding officer, go to the next precinct community council meeting. The 10th Precinct council meetings happen at 7 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month at the precinct, 230 W. 20th Street. Call 212-741-8226 for information.
Victor Grant was killed in Manhattan Community Board District 4, and in the City Council district represented by Corey Johnson.
