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

UPDATE: Drunk, Unlicensed Driver Killed Pedestrian in Downtown Brooklyn: Cops

File photo: Dave Colon

An unlicensed and drunk driver ran down and killed a woman steps from her home on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn on Sunday night, cops said.

According to police, Jasen Nhambiu, 49, was drunk when he drove his Hyundai Sonata westbound on Atlantic at around 7:45 p.m. then slammed into Alina Morales, 62, between Third Avenue and Nevins Street. Nhambiu remained on the scene while Morales was taken to Brooklyn Hospital Center in nearby Fort Greene, where she died.

Cops later charged the driver with four serious crimes: driving while intoxicated, refusal to take a breath test, driving without a license, aggravated unlicensed operator (an additional charge because of the alcohol). It is very rare for cops to charge drivers who remain on the scene unless they have committed a second crime, beyond the crash, such as drinking or driving with a suspended license. Indeed, before the charges against Nhambiu had been announced, the only detail police initially released was that Morales had been crossing the wide, dangerous, four-lane speedway "mid-block."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DMV SCANDAL: New York Faces Uphill Battle Getting Back Fraudulently Obtained Licenses

A longtime NYC driving teacher dishes on a pair of shocking scandals at the New York State DMV.

December 4, 2025

State DOT Hurts Cyclists in Rt. 9 Draft Plan: Advocates

The plan to redesign the spine of the river towns misses opportunities to equalize road access and safety for all travelers, according to advocates

December 4, 2025

ANALYSIS: With ‘State of the Agency’ Celebration, DOT Sends Its Resumé to Mamdani

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez held an invitation-only valedictory address that misrepresented the agency's accomplishments — and called out reporters just trying to do their jobs.

December 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Biden Their Time Edition

All the signs point to not wanting to piss off the president. Plus other news.

December 3, 2025

OPINION: On Fifth Avenue, Pedestrians Must Come First

Business leaders on Fifth Avenue respond to criticisms of Mayor Adams's proposal for the high-end retail corridor.

December 3, 2025
See all posts