Long Island City Hit-and-Run Kills 71-Year-Old Pedestrian
The New York City Police Department is searching for a driver who fatally struck a 71-year-old pedestrian in Long Island City, Queens, shortly after midnight on November 2, 2026, before fleeing the scene in a red SUV.
Police identified the victim as Aftab Alam, 71, of Kew Gardens, Queens. He was crossing near the intersection of 11th Street and 38th Avenue in the Dutch Kills neighborhood when the SUV struck him.
Emergency medical services transported Alam to Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was subsequently pronounced dead. The driver departed without stopping to assist the injured pedestrian or report the collision.
How the Fatal Collision Happened
The NYPD’s preliminary investigation established that the SUV had been parked along 38th Avenue before the incident. The motorist pulled the vehicle out of a curbside parking space and began executing a left-hand turn onto 11th Street.
During the turn, the vehicle struck Alam as he crossed the roadway. The motorist continued driving away rather than remaining at the intersection following the impact.
Police have not established whether the driver knew Alam had been struck.
Investigators have identified the vehicle as a red sport utility vehicle, but its make, model and license plate number have not been publicly confirmed. The driver’s direction of travel after leaving the intersection also remains unknown.
The reported sequence establishes that the collision occurred immediately after the SUV moved away from its parked position. Investigators have not publicly announced any additional findings about the circumstances leading to the impact.
Police Investigation and Search for Driver
The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad and the 114th Precinct are investigating the fatal collision.
As of November 6, 2026, police had reported no arrests, and the driver remained unidentified. No suspect had been publicly named or detained in connection with Alam’s death.
Police are seeking dashcam footage, surveillance recordings and witness information that could help identify the motorist.
The investigation centers on identifying the vehicle’s driver and establishing the circumstances of the fatal collision. The preliminary police account describes the SUV’s movement from its parking space, the left turn and the driver’s departure, but does not establish whether the motorist was aware of the impact.
How to Provide Information
Police have urged anyone with information about the red SUV or its driver to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.
Information about the vehicle, its movements after the collision or anyone who witnessed the incident could assist investigators in identifying the motorist responsible for leaving the scene.
The NYPD Crime Stoppers program is the designated channel for members of the public who may have information relevant to the investigation.
