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Driver Flees After Striking 4-Year-Old in Brooklyn

3/6/2026

43 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A Ford SUV struck a 4-year-old boy walking with his mother near Linden Boulevard and Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn, then fled the scene.
The boy was pronounced dead at Brookdale University Hospital.
The driver, Wawa Aurelus, 62, faces charges for failure to yield and failure to exercise due care, and police are seeking him.
This tragedy follows another recent fatal incident involving a child in Brooklyn.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, New York City faced a troubling traffic safety crisis, recording 178 pedestrian fatalities. This prompted the launch of the Vision Zero program by the New York City Department of Transportation, aiming to eliminate traffic deaths. The urgency of these measures was highlighted by the tragic death of a 4-year-old boy in Brooklyn, emphasizing the need for stricter traffic laws and driver accountability.

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Story summary

A Ford SUV struck a 4-year-old boy walking with his mother near Linden Boulevard and Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn, then fled the scene.
The boy was pronounced dead at Brookdale University Hospital.
The driver, Wawa Aurelus, 62, faces charges for failure to yield and failure to exercise due care, and police are seeking him.
This tragedy follows another recent fatal incident involving a child in Brooklyn.

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