New York, US: A woman was killed in a tragic hit-and-run crash in East Harlem late Monday night, moments after speaking with the driver of an SUV, police confirmed Tuesday morning. According to the New York City Police Department, the incident unfolded near East 116th Street and Lexington Avenue, leaving the neighborhood stunned and demanding swift justice.
The fatal encounter
Investigators said the victim, believed to be in her 30s, was struck shortly before 11:30 p.m. Monday. Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses revealed that the woman had been standing near a parked SUV, appearing to exchange words with the driver moments before the deadly collision.
As she walked away from the vehicle, the SUV suddenly accelerated, hitting her before speeding off northbound, police said. Witnesses described the vehicle as a dark-colored SUV, possibly a late-model Chevrolet or Dodge, but officers have yet to release a confirmed description.
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“She was just talking to the driver, and then she took a few steps — suddenly, the car rushed forward,” said one witness who lives in the area. “It all happened in a blink.”
Immediate response
Emergency medical crews arrived within minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls. The woman was rushed to Harlem Hospital with severe trauma injuries but was later pronounced dead. Her identity has not yet been released, pending family notification.
NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad has taken charge of the case. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby stores, apartment buildings, and traffic cameras in hopes of identifying the SUV and its driver.
A quiet night turned tragic
Residents told reporters that the busy stretch of East 116th Street, typically filled with food vendors and late-night shopgoers, had been unusually calm at the time. The sound of screeching tires and the sudden commotion drew dozens to the scene.
“This block is always alive with people, even at night,” said a local shop owner. “To hear something like this happen right outside is heartbreaking.”
Community leaders in Harlem have voiced frustration over the rise in hit-and-run incidents across Manhattan in recent months. Data from the NYPD shows an uptick in crashes involving pedestrians, particularly in densely populated areas like East Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Lower East Side.
Pattern of hit-and-run crashes
The East Harlem case echoes similar fatal incidents reported across New York City this year. Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for expanded camera surveillance and stricter penalties for fleeing drivers.
According to city accident reports, there have been nearly 40 fatal hit-and-run cases in 2025 so far, a figure that transportation officials say is deeply troubling. While initiatives like Vision Zero have reduced overall traffic fatalities since their inception, the persistence of untraceable hit-and-runs remains a critical challenge.
“Every driver who flees the scene leaves a family shattered and a community in fear,” said one city transportation advocate. “We need both stronger enforcement and public awareness to make these streets safer.”
Police seek public assistance
Authorities are appealing to the public to help locate the vehicle and the driver responsible. Investigators have asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash or seen a dark SUV speeding away from East 116th Street around 11:30 p.m. to come forward.
People living in nearby residential buildings have been encouraged to check security footage from the hours surrounding the crash. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline.
Community reaction and grief
On Tuesday morning, mourners left flowers and candles at the corner where the woman was killed. Many neighbors who did not know the victim personally still gathered to offer prayers and express anger over the senseless loss.
“She didn’t deserve this. No one does,” said a resident who participated in a small vigil organized by local church volunteers. “It’s terrifying that something like this can happen right outside your home.”
The intersection is known for heavy traffic, with both pedestrians and vehicles constantly navigating narrow lanes. Residents have long petitioned for improved lighting, visible crosswalks, and speed cameras, saying these could prevent future tragedies.
City officials respond
A spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office said the administration is working closely with the NYPD and Department of Transportation to address hit-and-run fatalities. Plans for installing additional street cameras and improving pedestrian safety infrastructure are being expedited in key areas, including Harlem.
“Every corner of our city deserves safe streets,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with the victim’s family, and our agencies are fully committed to bringing the responsible driver to justice.”
Ongoing investigation
As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been made. Police remain confident that surveillance evidence combined with witness statements will help identify the suspect. Detectives are also examining whether the driver and victim knew each other, given the brief conversation before the crash.
Officials emphasized that fleeing a fatal scene constitutes a felony under New York law, punishable by imprisonment and steep fines.
Growing calls for reform
Local activists plan to hold a march later this week demanding stronger action on reckless driving and hit-and-run enforcement. The event is expected to draw support from various community groups and victims’ advocacy organizations.
For now, East Harlem residents continue to grapple with the shock of losing one of their own in such a violent and avoidable act.
FAQ
Who was the victim?
Police have not yet released the victim’s name pending notification of her next of kin.
Has the driver been identified?
As of Tuesday, the driver of the SUV remains at large.
What charges could the driver face?
If caught, the driver could face charges including vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
What is being done to prevent similar crashes?
The city is increasing traffic surveillance, strengthening penalties for hit-and-runs, and improving road safety measures in high-risk neighborhoods.
How can the public help?
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline to assist in the ongoing investigation.
