Driver Charged in Fatal East Village Hit-and-Run
Lester Andrews pleaded not guilty after a pedestrian died in a collision on September 15, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Accidents
Lester Andrews was arrested following a fatal hit-and-run on St. Marks Place in the East Village on September 15, 2026. A 62-year-old man died at Bellevue Hospital after being pinned between a 2017 Ram van and a box truck.
Why it matters
The case highlights the legal consequences of fleeing the scene of a fatal accident in New York City. Police investigation led to the identification and arrest of the driver shortly after the incident occurred.
Lester Andrews was arrested on September 16, 2026, and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious injury. He subsequently pleaded not guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court and was released without bail.
The players
Lester Andrews
He is the 51-year-old driver arrested and charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run on St. Marks Place.
Manhattan Criminal Court
This local judicial institution is the venue where criminal arraignments and initial proceedings for the borough are held.
Bellevue Hospital
This is a municipal hospital in New York City that provides emergency trauma services to the public.
The details
The incident took place at 5:39 p.m. when the van driver accelerated into the pedestrian and subsequently reversed the vehicle. The 51-year-old driver fled the scene on foot following the collision.
Timeline
The collision occurred on September 15, 2026, at 5:39 p.m.
Lester Andrews was arrested on September 16, 2026.
The suspect appeared for his arraignment on September 17, 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects the standard application of New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600 regarding motorists who leave the scene of an accident. Such prosecutions are common as city officials and police agencies emphasize accountability in fatal traffic collisions.
The incident on St. Marks Place resulted in a police investigation and subsequent court proceedings. Residents and local business owners may see continued traffic enforcement in the East Village following this fatal event.
The takeaway
Drivers are reminded that leaving the scene of any accident resulting in injury is a serious crime with significant legal repercussions. Authorities encourage anyone involved in a collision to remain on-site and coordinate with emergency responders.
Further reading
For additional context on local safety incidents, visit the Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily News.
