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

Driver Charged in Fatal Chinatown Crash that Killed a Senior

Photo: Franz Golhen

A 90-year-old woman has died of injuries sustained when a driver ran her down in Chinatown earlier this month — a rare incident where the driver was charged.

The crash site.
The crash site.
The crash site.

According to police, Ngan Leung, 90, was crossing with the light the Bowery at Bayard Street at around 1 p.m. on Nov. 15 when an unidentified, 66-year-old driver hit her with his Toyota Sienna as he turned left onto Bowery from Bayard. Leung, who had been in the crosswalk, according to police, died of her injuries at Bellevue Hospital six days later.

The driver was charged with failure to yield — a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail.

It is rare for police to charge drivers with failure to yield, as Streetsblog's recent coverage shows.

Update: On March 19, the NYPD identified the driver as Benny Louie, 67, of Mott Street.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

SHAMEFUL: Pro-Parking DOT ‘Forced’ Lawmakers To Scale Back Daylighting Bill, Says Queens Pol

A parking-first City Hall has thrown up road blocks against pedestrian safety.

November 13, 2025

House T&I Chair Vows ‘No Money for Bikes or Walking’ in Fed Transportation Bill

The outlook for active transportation won't be good if advocates don't stand up.

November 13, 2025

Is Rad Power Bikes Riding into the Sunset?

The Seattle-based e-bike giant may close. It's a big deal for employees and customers.

November 13, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Seeing Daylighting Clearly Edition

Hats off to Frank Morano, a Republican from car-dominated Staten Island, who can see the basic logic behind the Council's effort to require daylighting at every intersection in the city. Plus other news.

November 13, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Slow ‘Em Down Edition

Here's one day when it's OK for reporters to drive a car! (OK, not just any car.) Plus other news.

November 12, 2025
See all posts