Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Traffic Enforcement

Driver Charged in ‘Accident’ That Killed Upper West Side Senior

A driver who killed an Upper West Side senior in May — a crash that one cop said was just an "accident" — has been charged in the death, police said.

The man in this picture — struck by a van driver last week, yet taken to the hospital in stable condition — ended up dying. File photo: Ken Coughlin

Oh, so it wasn't an "accident" after all.

Here's how we initially covered the crash.

A driver who killed an Upper West Side senior in May — a crash that one cop said was just an "accident" — has been charged in the death, police said on Wednesday.

Jose Naula Remache, 45, of Queens, was charged with failing to yield to Angel Rodriguez- Albuquerque, 74, who lived near the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and W. 106th Street, where he was killed.

According to cops, Rodriguez-Albuquerque had been in the crosswalk at around 3:45 p.m. on May 10 when Remache, driving a massive 2017 Ram pickup, hit him as the driver turned onto Amsterdam.

Though Rodriguez-Albuquerque was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in stable condition with lacerations and head trauma, he died two days later.

A cop on the scene minutes after the crash had told Streetsblog that there had not been any initial charges because "accidents do happen."

Apparently not, given Wednesday's charges.

Violating the city's right-of-way law carries a maximum of a $250 fine and 30 days in jail, but prison sentences are rare.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Send Mayor Mamdani Your Sneckdown Photos! (‘Snow Problem, Streetsblog!’)

"Do you know what a sneckdown is?" "Sneckdown?" "Sneckdown." Therein lies a great story.

January 23, 2026

New Details: Hochul’s Car Insurance ‘Affordability’ Pitch Will Shortchange Crash Victims

Hochul's Uber-backed bid to make car insurance affordable hides harmful policies for victims of car drivers.

January 23, 2026

State Pols Could Regulate E-Bikes Despite Not Knowing What They Are

State lawmakers are flirting with the idea of regulating e-bikes as if they were cars, but don't have all the facts.

January 23, 2026

Letter to Mamdani From Maryland: Free Buses Are Working Great

No fares, no homeless encampments, high-quality service. One suburban county shows the way for the new mayor.

January 23, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Redesign Not Crackdowns Edition

Mike Flynn was great on WNYC. Plus other news.

January 23, 2026
See all posts