Pedestrian Critically Injured In Hit-And-Run On Queens Boulevard In Woodside
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are looking for a driver accused in an early morning hit-and-run that left a pedestrian seriously hurt in Queens.
It happened around 1:30 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 60th Street in Woodside.
Investigators said a man in his 20s or 30s was attempting to cross the intersection when he was struck by a dark-colored SUV, which then continued westbound on Queens Boulevard, CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported.
Some witnesses told police the man may have been crossing against the light or when it was changing, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported.
The area of the crash is notorious for accidents.
Last September, a woman died at the hospital after she was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street on Queens Boulevard.
A motorcyclist and a pedestrian were also killed last December after a collision on Queens Boulevard at 58th Street.
The stretch is considered a slow zone as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's "Vision Zero" plan to reduce traffic accidents. But both drivers and pedestrians agree it can still be dangerous.
"They speed up and down here, don't know where to stop," resident Jane Seelin said "I've seen four of my neighbors die over here."
"Even when you're crossing with the lights, you're taking your life in your hands because a lot of people don't even stop," said resident Bill Bock.
"They should have more time to cross," said resident Doris Portelli. "It's a problem."
"I'm here 45 years and I see so many accidents," another woman said. "Because people don't respect the light."
In this latest incident, police are now looking for a dark-colored Ford SUV with front end damage.
As CBS 2's Jannelle Burrell reported, investigators said that in this case the vehicle hit the pedestrian with such force that he is in the hospital fighting to stay alive.
The man's boots were left strewn in the street among the few pieces of evidence that investigators have. The man was taken to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition.
Police have posted electronic signs urging any witnesses to come forward.
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