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

Marty Golden Fatally Wounded a Senior With His SUV in 2005

State Senator Marty Golden

Twelve years ago State Senator Marty Golden ran over a 74-year-old woman with his SUV on Brooklyn's Third Avenue, a few miles down the same street where, on Monday night, Golden impersonated a police officer while brandishing his parking placard in an attempt to bully a cyclist out of a bike lane with his chauffeured Cadillac.

The woman died soon after the crash. NYPD blamed the victim.

Hariklia Zafiropoulos was crossing Third at 84th Street in Bay Ridge in August of 2005 when Golden hit her with his Chevy Blazer, according to reports by the Times, the Daily News, and the Post. She was walking home from church with her sister and the collision caused her head to strike the pavement.

NYPD told the press Zafiropoulos crossed against the light. However, no media reports that we found indicated how police concluded that the victim did not have the right of way. Instead, reporters emphasized that Golden remained at the scene, seemed concerned, and visited the victim in the hospital.

The Post reports that Zafiropoulous died a few months after Golden struck her.

In the State Senate, Golden has repeatedly used his position to limit NYC's life-saving speed camera program. Unlike human police, speed cameras don't let motorists with parking placards off the hook for violations.

Open data searches prompted by Monday's incident turned up a number of speeding and red light-running tickets issued to the Cadillac Golden was riding in.

Golden's office did not respond to Streetsblog's queries concerning the incident on Monday night.

Streetsblog filed a freedom of information request for NYPD files related to the crash that injured Zafiropoulous.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Stands By Astoria Safety Project Despite Foes’ Anti-Bike Lawsuit

Businesses are suing — and doubling down on anti-safety misinformation — about a simple and important traffic calming and protected bike lane project in Astoria.

August 8, 2025

Mamdani Promises New Path For Bus Projects As MTA Leader Finally Loses Patience With Mayor Adams

The Democratic nominee says he'll only ask one thing when determining which bus improvements will go forward: will it serve bus riders.

August 8, 2025

We Told You So! DOT’s Anti-Daylighting ‘Scare Tactic’ Now Fuels Pro-Car Pols

DOT is finding common ground with pro-car, street safety foes.

August 8, 2025

Friday Video: The Triumph — And Tragedy — of Summer Streets

Summer Streets is great — can we do this every weekend? Um, no.

August 8, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Fixing Canal Street Edition

DOT will lower the speed limit on the Manhattan Bridge lanes that feed onto Canal Street. Plus more news.

August 8, 2025
See all posts