A tragic hit-and-run incident in Brooklyn has claimed the life of a 90-year-old man after he was struck by a moped rider while crossing the street. The victim, identified as Zhuo Xie, was walking in the crosswalk at the intersection of East 14th Street and Avenue U in the Homecrest neighborhood on Tuesday morning when the collision occurred. According to police and surveillance footage, the elderly man was crossing against the pedestrian signal when a moped traveling southbound on East 14th Street, which had the green light, hit him.
Despite the circumstances of the crossing, the driver of the moped did not remain at the scene. Witnesses say the rider paused for only a few moments, hovering near the site of the crash, then quickly fled westbound on Avenue U, leaving the man lying injured on the pavement. Emergency responders arrived shortly after and rushed Mr. Xie to NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn. He had suffered severe head trauma and was listed in critical condition upon arrival. Sadly, he was later pronounced dead due to the extent of his injuries.
The NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad has taken over the case, combing through surveillance video from nearby businesses and traffic cameras in hopes of identifying the fleeing rider. So far, no arrests have been made, and the moped rider remains at large.
Residents of the area expressed sorrow and frustration following the incident. Many say that moped riders and e-bike users often speed through intersections, ignore traffic signals, and weave dangerously between cars and pedestrians. Some have also pointed out that many mopeds operate without license plates, making it harder for authorities to track them down after incidents like this.
Neighbors described the victim as a kind and gentle man who had lived in the community for decades. “He was always walking around, very independent for his age,” said one longtime resident. “He didn’t deserve to die this way. No one does.”
The tragic death has renewed calls from city leaders and residents for stricter regulation of mopeds and e-bikes. Advocates are pushing for measures such as mandatory registration, visible license plates, insurance requirements, and more enforcement targeting reckless riders. Many believe that until mopeds are subject to the same rules as other motor vehicles, these types of incidents will continue to rise.
Local leaders held a small vigil at the site of the accident the following evening, where candles were lit and flowers laid in memory of Mr. Xie. Several speakers called for justice and for action from the city. “This man was a father, a grandfather, and a neighbor. His life mattered,” one speaker said. “We need accountability, and we need change before another family suffers this kind of loss.”
This fatal hit-and-run is the latest in a growing list of incidents involving mopeds and electric bikes in New York City. In recent years, these vehicles have become increasingly popular for commuting and food delivery, but their rapid growth has outpaced the city’s ability to regulate them effectively. Data shows a rise in pedestrian injuries and fatalities linked to these vehicles, prompting concern among safety advocates.
Police continue to ask the public for help in identifying the moped rider. Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline. Flyers with surveillance images of the suspected moped have been distributed throughout the neighborhood.
As the investigation continues, Mr. Xie’s family is mourning his loss. They have requested privacy as they grieve but expressed their hope that someone will come forward with information that leads to an arrest. “He was a good man,” a family member said. “We want justice, and we don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”
The NYPD has promised to devote all necessary resources to find the person responsible. Officials have also stated they are working with city agencies to review policies surrounding mopeds and e-bike usage in high-traffic pedestrian areas. Some have proposed designated lanes or time restrictions for motorized vehicles in certain neighborhoods, especially where there is a high concentration of seniors and families.
For now, the community is left shaken and grieving. A sidewalk memorial has formed at the corner where Mr. Xie was struck—candles flicker next to flowers, handwritten notes, and a photo of the elderly man smiling. It serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to make city streets safer for everyone.
