Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Carnage

Hit-and-Run Driver Rams Child Riding Bike Near Queens Schools

1:35 PM EDT on August 14, 2018

Video still: Twitter/NYCityAlerts

A driver ran over a child on a bike in Far Rockaway and fled the scene yesterday.

The 11-year-old boy was turning left from Healy Avenue onto southbound Dickens Street at around 7:40 p.m. Monday when the northbound driver struck him head-on, according to NYPD and video of the crash.

The victim was transported to Long Island Jewish Hospital in stable condition.

NYPD told CBS the driver had the right of way but will likely face charges for fleeing the scene.

Video shows the driver hit the victim at high speed, throwing the child into the air. The motorist did not slow down after impact.

https://twitter.com/NYCityAlerts/status/1029178198024757250

Police arrested a suspect this afternoon, according to @NYCityAlerts.

The collision occurred in the 101st Precinct, in close proximity to multiple school zones, reporter Josefa Velasquez noted on Twitter.

The area did not previously have speed enforcement cameras. Even before State Senate Republicans killed the program, its range was limited by arbitrary restrictions imposed by Albany lawmakers, including recidivist reckless driver Marty Golden.

Had Albany passed legislation to expand the program this year, however, this part of Queens might have been covered. As long as cameras remain inactive, drivers like this sociopath will continue to terrorize other street users.

Update: Here's Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Paul Steely White's statement regarding the crash:

The video of this child being maimed is horrifying and testament to a city where there are no consequences -- not even a speed camera ticket -- for reckless driving. Senate Leader John Flanagan and Senator Marty Golden are responsible, and should know that child's blood is on their hands.

Three weeks ago, the Senate Republican majority ushered in a state of lawlessness in New York City, when they dismantled a lifesaving speed camera program. Yesterday's crash was less than a 1/3 mile from two schools -- the location could have been protected by a speed camera, if not for Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Senator Marty Golden. In 2018, in the so-called era of Vision Zero, an 11-year-old should be safe to ride their bike on a neighborhood street, but without action from Senate Republicans, I have no doubt New York City will see an increase in frequency of horrific incidents like we saw yesterday.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cycle of Rage: Mayor is Failing the Leadership Test on Congestion Pricing

Purely for political and self-serving purposes, Mayor Adams is attacking congestion pricing — and, in doing so, is undermining the implementation of a program that he has long claimed to be a "strong" supporter of.

December 1, 2023

New York City is Down One MTA Board Member as Mayor Fights Congestion Pricing Fee

Sherif Soliman, who was appointed to the board only last year, quietly resigned on Sept. 22, and the mayor won't get a new person on the panel until next year.

December 1, 2023

Friday’s Headlines: A Congestion Alert Day

Like everyone else, we covered congestion pricing. Plus other news.

December 1, 2023

Adams Says He’ll Ban Parking Near 1,000 Intersections Every Year To Make Corners Safer

The city will daylight 1,000 intersections a year. A Brooklyn corner where a boy was killed in a crash is still waiting for the safety upgrades.

December 1, 2023

Komanoff: IMHO, TMRB is A-OK

Here’s what’s to like about the Traffic Mobility Review Board's central business district toll recommendations. It's a lot!

December 1, 2023
See all posts