Moped driver without license arrested for fatal incident involving 68-year-old man crossing street in Queens.

A tragic incident in Jamaica, Queens, has resulted in the arrest of a 26-year-old individual charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. This comes after Yunior Buleje Rodriguez allegedly struck and killed 68-year-old Trevor Lloyd Samuels while he was legally crossing 168th Street at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025. The accident occurred at the intersection of 168th Street and 93rd Avenue.

According to law enforcement officials, Rodriguez was operating a 2025 Zhilong moped when he collided with Samuels. Eyewitness accounts indicate that Samuels was in the crosswalk when he was forcibly knocked down by the moped. The impact resulted in severe head injuries, necessitating an immediate transport to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. Unfortunately, despite medical efforts, Samuels succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Samuels, a resident of Springfield Gardens, lived approximately four miles from the site of the crash. Rodriguez, on the other hand, resides in Richmond Hill, another neighborhood not far from the tragedy. Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez was apprehended at the scene of the accident, highlighting the quick response from law enforcement.

As of the latest data, the city has seen a year-to-date decrease in pedestrian fatalities. Specifically, 101 individuals have been killed by motor vehicles in the five boroughs this year, marking a 10% decline compared to 113 fatalities reported during the same period last year. This statistic underscores ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian safety amid increasing concerns over traffic-related incidents throughout New York City.

Rodriguez’s arraignment in Queens Criminal Court was anticipated to take place on Saturday, although details remain sparse regarding the proceedings. The incident has prompted discussions about road safety, particularly concerning unlicensed drivers and the use of motorized vehicles in densely populated urban areas.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to ensure the safety of all road users. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of Trevor Lloyd Samuels, whose life was cut short in a preventable accident.

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