A pre-dawn walk in Brownsville turned fatal early Saturday when a man was struck by two separate hit-and-run drivers near Linden Boulevard and Rockaway Avenue, police said.
Scene and investigation
According to News 12 New York, the man was standing in the roadway around 4 a.m. when a light-colored SUV hit him. Moments later, a second light-colored SUV ran over him as he lay in the street. Both drivers took off, and as of Sunday afternoon, police had not announced any arrests.
Medical response and probe
First responders rushed the victim to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, New York Daily News via Yahoo reported. Investigators were canvassing the area for surveillance footage and urging anyone with video or information to come forward.
Another deadly crash nearby this week
This latest fatal hit-and-run comes just days after a 4-year-old boy was killed after being struck near the same corridor, a tragedy covered by Hoodline and other outlets. That earlier crash has intensified long-standing concerns among neighbors and traffic-safety advocates about conditions on Linden Boulevard and Rockaway Parkway.
Dangerous corridor
Rockaway Parkway and Linden Boulevard have for years been highlighted in city safety plans as especially dangerous arteries for people on foot. The corridor has been targeted for Vision Zero upgrades, according to the NYC DOT Brooklyn Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Advocates have repeatedly cited high speeds and wide travel lanes as key reasons crossings there feel particularly treacherous.
Legal implications
Under New York law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death can be charged as a class D felony under Vehicle & Traffic Law §600, guidance from New York courts notes. Prosecutors can also bring additional counts, including charges tied to impairment or reckless driving, if investigators uncover evidence to support them.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact detectives, according to News 12 New York. This story will be updated as authorities release more details.
