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

Drunk Driver in Large SUV Kills Woman in Williamsburg: Cops

File photo: Dave Colon

A drunk driver fatally struck a woman in Williamsburg on Friday afternoon, cops said.

Details are scant, but according to the NYPD, Lakierdra Thomas, 32, was at Graham Avenue and Broadway when Uri Hochberg, 47, slammed into her with his Jeep Grand Cherokee. Hochberg, of Edison, N.J, was later charged with manslaughter, a serious charge that is rarely leveled unless there's another crime — in this case, DWI.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

A police spokesman told Streetsblog that Thomas was crossing Graham Avenue — in the crosswalk — when Hochberg hit her as he turned right from Broadway onto Graham. He dragged her under the large SUV for a short distance, the police spokesman said, but then stopped.

The Department of Transportation has long said that SUVs present a much greater danger than regular sedans because their hoodline often pushes victims under the vehicle rather than over it. Also, men prefer driving SUVs — and men tend to be much more reckless drivers, the agency said.

Update: Late on Saturday afternoon, the Daily News added key details about the life of Lakierdra Thomas.

“She was everything to me,” Anthony Lilly, 33, told the tabloid. “She was strong, dramatic, beautiful. Everyone she came across, they just loved her so much. She was one of those genuine souls.”

The paper added no new details of the crash.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Live from New York (State), It’s Wednesday Night!

Hallelujah, congestion pricing now getting big laughs in Albany.

May 23, 2025

Friday Video: A Deep Dive on the Endless Debate Over Bike Helmets

Everything you need to know the next time someone asks you if you're "for" or "against" bike helmets.

May 23, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: John Mulaney, You Are Officially On Notice Edition

When did Netflix start airing community board meetings? Plus other news.

May 23, 2025

Assembly Member Ditches Her Car — and Discovers The Good Side of Albany

"I love Albany now," says the Greenpoint lawmaker, who ditched her car. Will others follow? Well, Gov. Hochul offered a start...

May 22, 2025

Public Demands Safer West Side Highway at Packed Workshop

Seemingly all in attendance agreed that the existing bike and pedestrian path isn't cutting it and ought to be expanded.

May 22, 2025
See all posts