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

Driver Pleads to Felony in Hit-and-Run Death of Manhattan Pedestrian

Doohee Cho. Photo via Daily News
Doohee Cho. Photo via Daily News
Doohee Cho. Photo via Daily News

A driver who killed a Union Square pedestrian pled guilty to a felony hit-and-run charge this week.

Doohee Cho, 33, was crossing Fifth Avenue between E. 15th and E. 16th streets in the early morning hours of September 28, 2014, when Macgyver Beltran hit him with a Chevrolet sedan, according to published reports.

Police arrested Beltran two days later, after releasing video of him speeding away from the scene in the visibly damaged car. Beltran had taken the car, a rental, to have it repaired, the Post reported.

Beltran, then 25, had an arrest record that included a reckless driving offense, the Post said.

According to court records, Beltran was charged with leaving the scene of an injury crash and evidence tampering, class D and E felonies, respectively. He pled guilty to both charges on Tuesday.

Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance did not charge Beltran for the act of killing Doohee Cho.

The top charge against Beltran -- leaving the scene -- carries penalties ranging from probation to seven years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 26.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Trust Us’: Albany Pols Offer Only Promises To Fill Massive Hole In MTA Capital Plan

Gov. Hochul put a big "IOU" note in place of a real plan to fill the $33-billion hole in the MTA’s 2025-2029 capital plan.

January 15, 2025

Hochul’s ‘Heavy’ E-Bike Proposal is Light on Potential: Critics

Very few class 3 electric bikes reach 100 pounds. And they look a lot like class 2 e-bikes.

January 15, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Curb Enthusiasm Edition

New York City will launch five "microhub" delivery zones in Brooklyn and Manhattan this spring or earlier, officials said. Plus more news.

January 15, 2025

GOP Governor Hopeful Mike Lawler Dishes Culture War Dreck In Anti-Transit Tantrum

The Republican congressman journeyed to Albany to spew the same empty rage that transit opponents have trotted out for years.

January 14, 2025

Gov. Hochul Eyes Parking Ban at Elementary Schools; Advocates Say It’s ‘Not Enough’

It's a start, but why not bring the safety benefits to the whole city?

January 14, 2025
See all posts