A Brooklyn man, identified as Jose Ramirez, 38, was arrested and charged with driving without a license after allegedly striking an 84-year-old pedestrian, Noach Klein, who was killed in the incident. According to police, Ramirez was behind the wheel of a 2018 Ford Transit van on Wednesday evening when he collided with Klein and a 54-year-old man crossing 18th Avenue near 49th Street in Borough Park.
The victims were not in the crosswalk at the time of the collision but had the red light, which they had in their favor. Police stated that Ramirez's vehicle did not have the proper registration or insurance to operate in New York state.
Ramirez stayed on the scene and was charged hours later with unlicensed aggravated operating of a vehicle. The van's driver lives in Midwood, according to police. The NYPD's collision investigation squad is still looking into the incident.
Noach Klein lived in South Williamsburg but had recently owned a silver shop near the intersection where he was struck. According to reports from local news outlets, Klein's family was preparing for his funeral after speaking with a reporter who called them on Thursday. However, they were unable to be reached due to their emotional state at that time.
The NYPD reported that there have been at least 164 pedestrian collisions in the 66th Precinct so far this year. This is slightly lower than the same period last year, which saw 179 pedestrians involved in crashes. However, pedestrian deaths within the precinct have increased slightly, with Klein's death marking the fourth of the year.
The incident serves as a reminder of ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Borough Park and Midwood.
The victims were not in the crosswalk at the time of the collision but had the red light, which they had in their favor. Police stated that Ramirez's vehicle did not have the proper registration or insurance to operate in New York state.
Ramirez stayed on the scene and was charged hours later with unlicensed aggravated operating of a vehicle. The van's driver lives in Midwood, according to police. The NYPD's collision investigation squad is still looking into the incident.
Noach Klein lived in South Williamsburg but had recently owned a silver shop near the intersection where he was struck. According to reports from local news outlets, Klein's family was preparing for his funeral after speaking with a reporter who called them on Thursday. However, they were unable to be reached due to their emotional state at that time.
The NYPD reported that there have been at least 164 pedestrian collisions in the 66th Precinct so far this year. This is slightly lower than the same period last year, which saw 179 pedestrians involved in crashes. However, pedestrian deaths within the precinct have increased slightly, with Klein's death marking the fourth of the year.
The incident serves as a reminder of ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Borough Park and Midwood.