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

Thursday’s Headlines: Gateway ‘Terminator’ Edition

President Trump abruptly announced he'd "terminated" the Gateway Tunnel project while taking aim at Chuck Schumer. Plus more news.

October 16, 2025

Trump’s Electrification Cuts are Short-Sighted: Report

EV infrastructure is far more valuable to the nation's prosperity and jobs market than the White House believes, according to a new report.

October 16, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Another Highway Boondoggle Erased Edition

Maybe the worm has turned on these awful boondoggles? Plus other news.

October 15, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: ‘War on Cars’ Hosts Explore Life After the Automobile

...and why it's so urgent that we work for a better future.

October 15, 2025

State Pauses Billion-Dollar Route 17 Expansion in Hudson Valley

One of the biggest highway boondoggles in the state may finally die a merciful death, thanks to Gov. Hochul.

October 14, 2025

Delivery Workers Continue Push For Deactivation Protections

Delivery workers put pressure on the City Council to pass a bill that would give them "just cause" protections.

October 14, 2025
See all posts