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

NYPD Denies FOIL Request for Files on NYPD Crash That Killed Felix Coss

NYPD rejected a Streetsblog freedom of information request for files pertaining to a crash in which an on-duty officer killed a pedestrian in Brooklyn.

Felix Coss. Photo via DNAinfo
Felix Coss. Photo via DNAinfo

Felix Coss, 61, was crossing Broadway at Hooper Street, in a crosswalk with the signal, on the afternoon of July 6, 2013, when Officer Paula Medrano struck him with a marked van from the 90th Precinct while making a left turn, according to reports and photos of the scene.

DNAinfo and the Daily News cited witnesses who said Medrano was seen talking on a cell phone at the time of the collision. “She had a cellphone to her right ear,” a witness told the Daily News. “She hit him. When she hit him, he fell on the floor and cracked his head open.”

The crash was reportedly investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau, but the results of that investigation were not publicized in the media. Medrano's name never appeared in an online database of court records.

On May 7, Streetsblog filed a FOIL request for records related to the crash. On May 26, NYPD Lieutenant Richard Mantellino rejected our request, citing “an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,” the same language Mantellino used to deny our FOIL for records pertaining to the 2012 curb-jump crash that killed Mike Rogalle. As with the Rogalle crash, NYPD could have redacted whatever personal information the department deemed necessary, but again chose to withhold all files.

NYPD shields information pertaining to traffic crash investigations from the public -- and victims' families -- as a matter of course. NYPD is especially secretive concerning crashes involving police personnel, withholding data even from other city departments.

Streetsblog is appealing NYPD’s rejection of our request for information on the crash that killed Felix Coss.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday Video: Five Simple Ways To Get Kids Biking To School

Kids aren't riding bikes like they used to — but that doesn't mean we can't get them back in the saddle.

October 10, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Refining Outdoor Dining Edition

Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler has a bill to bring back year-round outdoor dining. Plus more news.

October 10, 2025

State DOT Scraps Cross Bronx Expansion Road On Highway Repair Plan

The state Department of Transportation will not build a "traffic diversion" structure next to the Cross Bronx Expressway — a highway expansion project that Streetsblog exposed.

October 9, 2025

Mamdani Vows To Defy DOT Insiders, Political Bosses To Pursue His Streets Agenda

Mamdani pledged stand up to bureaucrats and political power players who oppose his plans to make streets safer and buses faster.

October 9, 2025

Want Safety in Central Park? Add Protected Bike Lanes Around and Through It: Advocates

It's time to ring the park with green paint — and add green veins through it.

October 9, 2025
See all posts