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

Cops Arrest Virginia Driver for Killing Brooklyn Pedestrian

Photo: Franz Golhen

Cops have arrested a Virginia who they say ran down and killed an 82-year-old pedestrian in Williamsburg on Saturday night.

Police say that Mark Smith, 57, of Glen Allen, hit Evaristo Mercado as the pedestrian crossed Maujer Street in the crosswalk and with the light at around 5:42 p.m. Smith had been traveling northbound on Bushwick Avenue and was attempting to complete a left turn in onto Maujer in his 2004 Ford van.

Mercado was taken to Woodhull Hospital, where he died. Smith was charged with failure to yield, failure to exercise due care, and marijuana possession. A police spokesman said the pot charge was a violation, indicating that Smith was allegedly in possession of only a small amount.

There were three reported crashes last year at that same corner, with two motorists injured. In the 90th Precinct last year, there were 3,589 reported crashes, injuring 151 cyclists and 157 pedestrians, plus 609 motorists. Four pedestrians and three drivers died.

That's roughly 10 crashes per day.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Money for Something: Funding OK’d, But Details Missing For ‘Dept. Of Sustainable Delivery’

The mayor got the Council to sign off on $6.1 million for the long-awaited “Department of Sustainable Delivery." But what's it mean? No one is talking.

July 1, 2025

Incoming Albany Mayor Could Help Safe Streets Movement Statewide

The state capital is built for the car and that is how it is experienced by our lawmakers. But could that change under a new mayor? Here's hoping.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Another Child Sacrificed to the SUV Edition

Stop de kindermoord! An 8-year-old boy killed by an SUV driver is the latest victim of America's obsession with big cars. Plus other news.

July 1, 2025

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025
See all posts