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

Cops Arrest Driver Months After He Killed a Brooklyn Pedestrian

Photo: Franz Golhen

SB Donation NYC header 2

Police on Thursday arrested the Staten Island driver who ran down and killed a Brooklyn pedestrian back in October — an interesting development because cops initially had said the victim was outside the crosswalk.

Nicholas Didio, 57, was charged this week with failure to yield and failure to exercise due care in killing 45-year-old Elina Sokolov at around 8:05 p.m. on Oct. 11 near the intersection of Nostrand and Emmons avenues in Sheepshead Bay.

According to police, Didio was driving his 2015 Dodge Durango westbound on Emmons Avenue and struck and then ran over Sokolov as he turned right onto Nostrand Avenue. Police said Sokolov was outside the crosswalk. The evening's heavy rain may have contributed to Didio's failure to see the pedestrian, who died later that day at Coney Island Hospital. Didio had remained on the scene.

A police spokeswoman said Didio was charged months later because it took some time for the NYPD's Collision Investigation Squad to complete its review of video and other evidence.


It's our annual donation drive!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Cyclist: Cop Pulled a Taser During Summons Chase

In a dramatic escalation of the NYPD's criminal crackdown on bike riders, a police officer pulled a stun gun while chasing a cyclist for allegedly running a red light on a regular bike.

May 30, 2025

Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)

Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.

May 30, 2025

Tisch Reveals Real Reason for Her E-Bike Crackdown: E-Bike Licensing

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doubles down on her cycling criminalization campaign, saying e-bike licensing is the only other option.

May 30, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: A ‘Critical’ Moment Edition

Cyclists will protest against the NYPD's bike crackdown with a Critical Mass ride to City Hall on Friday. Plus more news.

May 30, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Astoria’s Big Beautiful 31st Avenue Bike Boulevard

Streetsblog paid a visit to New York City's widest on-street protected bike lane ever, which is up and running in Astoria.

May 30, 2025
See all posts