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

What to Say When Someone Claims ‘No One Bikes or Walks in Bad Weather’

Yes, sustainable modes are more vulnerable to bad weather. But that's why we should invest more in them — not less.

April 19, 2024

NYC Transit’s New Operations Chief Wants To Fight ‘Ghost Buses’

One-time transit advocate and current MTA Paratransit VP Chris Pangilinan will oversee bus and subway operations for the whole city.

April 19, 2024

Friday’s Headlines: Gimme Bus Shelter Edition

The days of the Landmarks Preservation Commission reviewing every proposed bus shelter in landmarked districts may be no more. Plus more news.

April 19, 2024

Deal Reached: Hochul Says ‘Sammy’s Law’ Will Pass

The bill, though imperfect, has been four years in the making.

April 18, 2024

Komanoff: A ‘Noise Tax’ Can Ground NYC Helicopters

A proposed $400 “noise tax” on “nonessential” flights is a start — and it will work.

April 18, 2024
See all posts