Yerlin Garcia charged in fatal Bensonhurst hit-and-run
On March 22, 2023, Yerlin Garcia crossed Dahill Road's double yellow lines in a sedan and hit Elizabeth Perez, 60, in Bensonhurst, then left the scene, police said; Perez later died.
Location reported in Open Data.
What We Know
On March 22, 2023, Yerlin Garcia drove a 2005 Acura TSX north on Dahill Road in Bensonhurst, crossed the double yellow lines and hit Elizabeth Perez, 60, police said. Garcia left without stopping; police later found the Acura nearby and arrested him. Perez died at Maimonides Medical Center. The city crash record identifies unsafe speed as a contributing factor. Garcia was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving without insurance. Perez worked at a Dollar General on Utica Avenue, where colleagues remembered her care and support.
Garcia crossed the center lines.
Police said Garcia was driving a 2005 Acura TSX north on Dahill Road when he crossed the double yellow lines and hit Perez with the passenger-side front of the car. He left without stopping. Perez was taken to Maimonides Medical Center, where she died.
Accounts differ on the crossing point.
The crash happened on Dahill Road near 63rd Street in Bensonhurst, near Perez's home, according to ABC 7. The New York Post described Perez as crossing midblock, while 1010 WINS described the site as the intersection. Both accounts place the crash on Dahill Road.
Coworkers remember Elizabeth Perez.
Perez, 60, worked at a Dollar General on Utica Avenue. Coworkers recalled how she cared for her daughter and supported people at work.
Advice during a difficult time.
Coworker Venus Baker said Perez helped her when she was struggling with depression: "I was battling depression heavy and she gave me a lot of advice."
The record identifies speed and lane use.
The city crash record identifies unsafe speed and improper lane use as contributing factors for the driver. Police told 1010 WINS that Garcia crossed the double yellow lines before hitting Perez.
Police found Garcia nearby.
Police recovered the Acura nearby and arrested Garcia. ABC 7 reported that the arrest came about an hour after the crash. Police said Garcia was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, aggravated unlicensed operation and driving without insurance.