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

Cops Hunting BMW Driver Who Killed Pedestrian In Astoria Hit-And-Run

A driver who fled the scene of a crash on foot remains at-large hours after striking and killing a pedestrian in Astoria, Queens, cops said.

A driver who fled the scene of a crash on foot remains at-large hours after striking and killing a pedestrian in Queens, cops said.

The pedestrian was struck and killed by the driver of a white BMW just after 4 a.m. on Friday morning — at least the third pedestrian killed on city streets in a two-day period.

Police said the BMW was headed east on Astoria Boulevard South before striking the pedestrian at Steinway Street. The alleged killer driver was last seen fleeing on foot south on Steinway. The pedestrian, who has not yet been identified to the press, died later at Elmhurst Hospital.

Friday morning's hit-and-run came amid a sea of carnage that cost multiple pedestrian lives in the last two days.

On Thursday morning, 68-year-old Aurora Soto was run over and killed by the driver of a Jeep Cherokee on Broadway in Brooklyn. And just hours after the Astoria hit-and-run, crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa was killed by the driver of a dump truck at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard.

The unidentified pedestrian and Naprawa were the 72nd and 73rd pedestrians killed on city streets this year, according to data kept by the Department of Transportation.

Chart: DOT

Earlier this week, New York City Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi told reporters that city is "on track for having the lowest pedestrian deaths in this city on record" — while blaming the fact that 26 cyclists have been killed in the city in 2023 on the types of bikes those cyclist use.

Additional reporting by David Meyer

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

New Speaker’s Transportation Committee Signals Departure From Her Car-First Predecessor

The Council committee tapped by new Speaker Julie Menin has a pro-bike, pro-pedestrian chair — and zero Republicans.

January 16, 2026

Mamdani Warns Delivery Apps to Follow New Worker Protection Laws — Or Else

The Mamdani Administration sent letters to over 60 delivery app companies, warning they must comply with new regulations.

January 16, 2026

Advocates to Mamdani: Come See the Cross Bronx Impact for Yourself!

Anti-highway expansion advocates in the Bronx are asking the mayor to hear them out on their ideas to create a safer and more human-friendly environment around the toxic expressway.

January 16, 2026

Friday Video: Remember When Central Park Was Actually Dangerous?

Streetfilms legend Clarence Eckerson reframes the debate about Manhattan's premier green space in just 45 seconds.

January 16, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: Back on Top Edition

The administration is going after the delivery app companies. Plus other news.

January 16, 2026

Case Dismissed! Brooklyn Judge Affirms DOT’s ‘Rational’ Right to Build Bike Lanes

The ruling preserves the 1.3-mile protected bike lane between Carroll Gardens and Downtown Brooklyn.

January 15, 2026
See all posts