Driver, 38, hits teenage girl during argument in Queens.

A tragic incident occurred early Saturday morning in Jackson Heights, Queens, where a 38-year-old driver operating a Chevrolet Suburban allegedly struck and killed a 16-year-old girl during a reported road rage altercation. The collision took place around 4:15 a.m. at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Benham Street, under the elevated No. 7 subway line, as the teenage victim and two other individuals walked nearby.

According to law enforcement officials, the confrontation began when the driver and the girl engaged in a verbal dispute. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver revved the engine of his vehicle before accelerating onto the sidewalk, deliberately hitting her. Following the incident, the driver fled the scene, reversing away from the sidewalk, ultimately speeding down Benham Street in the wrong direction and colliding with a parked car.

Authorities apprehended the driver shortly after he abandoned the Suburban and attempted to escape on foot. The 16-year-old, whose identity was not disclosed pending family notifications, was pronounced dead at the scene. As of Saturday, charges against the driver were still pending, and officials did not disclose the specifics of the argument that led to the tragic encounter.

This incident occurs amidst heightened law enforcement efforts in the area, particularly on Roosevelt Avenue, which has been the focal point of a multi-agency initiative aimed at reducing crime. Dubbed “Operation Restore Roosevelt,” this campaign, initiated late last year, has reportedly led to a 28% drop in crime rates in the region as of June. The operation targets quality-of-life offenses, including unlicensed street vendors and incidents of prostitution.

Despite these efforts, local residents express concern that additional measures are necessary to ensure safety in the neighborhood. Just last month, a group rallied to urge the federal government to intervene and assist in further crime reduction efforts.

The community continues to grapple with the implications of Saturday’s events, as both residents and officials seek to address the ongoing challenges of maintaining public safety in Jackson Heights. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate violence and enhance community security.

As the investigation unfolds, updates regarding potential charges against the driver and further safety initiatives in the area are anticipated.