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

Sanitation Driver Who Killed Pedestrian is Back on Job Less Than Two Months After Crash

Credit: News12

SB Donation NYC header 2

The city Sanitation driver who killed a Crown Heights pedestrian by driving the wrong way down a one-way street — then tried to turn his massive vehicle around as part of a cover-up — is back on the job less than two months after the crime.

Aaron Gilchrist had been charged with failing to yield to a pedestrian, driving the wrong way on a one-way street and failing to exercise due care after running over Alberto Leal, 37, early on Oct. 11. Police say that Gilchrist, 33, turned right from Eastern Parkway onto Brooklyn Avenue — going the wrong direction on the southbound one-way. He struck Leal in the crosswalk. He then tried to cover up his crime by turning his truck around, a video shows.

Aaron Gilchrist in a photo obtained by the New York Daily News.
Aaron Gilchrist in a photo obtained by the New York Daily News.
Aaron Gilchrist in a photo obtained by the New York Daily News.

At the time, a Sanitation spokesman said the 13-year department vet had been suspended pending an internal DSNY investigation of the crash.

Well...

That investigation is "ongoing," said the spokesman, Vito Turso. He told Streetsblog that Gilchrist was allowed to return to work — albeit in a modified role that will keep him from getting behind the wheel of a garbage truck — because his "suspension time was up."

The Daily News originally reported that Gilchrist has returned to work. Gilchrist earned $120,918 last year.

SB Donation NYC header 2

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

As NYPD’s Criminal Crackdown on Cyclists Expands, It Grows More Absurd: Victims

The new policy has unleashed the worst instincts of individual cops — including one cop who allegedly entrapped a cyclist.

May 6, 2025

Decision 2025: Mayoral Candidates Answer Our Question 3

How would you make streets in your district safer for walking and biking? And the answers are...

May 6, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: More Good News on Crashes Edition

Congestion pricing is working ... part 329. Plus other news.

May 6, 2025

NYPD’s Red Light Criminalization Marks ‘Obscene’ Escalation: Advocates

The dangers of NYPD's new policy are vast. Here's the second installment of our ongoing series on a quiet change in police practices.

May 5, 2025
See all posts