NEW YORK, NY – A woman was killed Friday morning in a violent hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn after a driver struck her in a crosswalk and dragged her body for at least two blocks before fleeing the scene.
The victim, described as a woman in her 30s, was crossing Pitkin Avenue at Mother Gaston Boulevard in the Brownsville neighborhood when she was hit by a westbound vehicle around the morning hours.
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators shows the woman leaving a local bodega moments before attempting to cross the street. The video captured the impact and showed the vehicle continuing on without stopping, with the victim being dragged underneath.
Police say they have a good description of the vehicle involved but are asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver.
A neighbor who knew the victim spoke about the tragedy, saying she recognized her from the neighborhood. The woman was down on her luck, the neighbor said, but she didn’t deserve to die that way.
The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is handling the case. Detectives are reviewing additional surveillance cameras in the area and canvassing for witnesses.
Hit-and-run deaths have been a persistent problem in New York City, with advocates calling for stronger enforcement and infrastructure changes to protect pedestrians.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit tips online. All calls are confidential, and there may be a reward for information leading to an arrest.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending family notification.
