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

DA Richard Brown: $500 Fine for Hit-and-Run Driver Who Injured Senior

Pursuant to a plea deal with Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, an allegedly unlicensed and impaired motorist who reportedly has a history of reckless driving arrests was sentenced to a small fine and probation for running over a senior and trying to flee the scene.

richardbrown
Queens DA Richard Brown
Queens DA Richard Brown

William Stafford “plowed his 2005 BMW into an 89-year-old man” at 25th Avenue and 44th Street in Astoria last October, the Daily News reported.

He stopped and tried to drive away, but horrified witnesses said they stopped him from speeding off.

The senior, known in the neighborhood as Benny, was bleeding from the ears.

Stafford was arrested two times before, once for driving on a suspended license in 2008 and once for drunk driving in 2009.

Brown charged Stafford with felony assault, felony leaving the scene, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, aggravated unlicensed operation, and other offenses. But in May, Brown dismissed the top charge -- felony assault -- and allowed Stafford to plead guilty to one count of misdemeanor leaving the scene.

Stafford could have gotten a year in jail. On Monday Judge Dorothy Chin Brandt sentenced him to a $500 fine and three years probation, plus $88 in court costs, according to court records.

Richard Brown, who has a horrendous record of failing to prosecute drivers who hurt and kill people, is currently running unopposed for another term. He has held the office of Queens DA since 1991.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

State DOT Partially Backs Off Cross Bronx Expwy. Expansion

Advocates are still concerned about a project that will widen five bridges and create a temporary roadway.

September 2, 2025

Instacart Now Claims it ‘Supports’ Worker Minimum Wage That It Fought To Defeat; Experts See ‘Corporate Spin’

After an all-out campaign against a minimum wage for its workers, Instacart now claims it "supports" the bill. But that's just "a flat-out lie," said one worker advocate.

September 2, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Jerry, We Hardly Knew Ye Edition

Finally, an honorable pol makes the choice to retire before everyone grows to hate him. Plus other news.

September 2, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Closed for Labor Day Edition

It's time for the best parade of the year. Plus the weekend's news (so far).

September 1, 2025

SEE IT: Cops Violently Arrest Teen Riding Citi Bike in Alphabet City

Three cops slammed a teenager to the ground, pulled his hair and knelt on his head — for allegedly riding a Citi Bike "in a reckless manner."

August 29, 2025

‘Pedestrianize’ the Financial District, Lower Manhattan Council Member Says

Downtown Council Member Chris Marte says the city refuses to launch a $500K downtown pedestrianization study funded by his predecessor.

August 29, 2025
See all posts