Queens man filing lawsuit after being struck by speeding NYPD SUV while on his way to pick up a sandwich.
A serious incident involving a Queens man and an NYPD vehicle has raised concerns about pedestrian safety and high-speed police responses in urban environments. On August 25, 2025, Lamar Quello Hollins, a 31-year-old father of five, sustained severe injuries when he was struck by a police SUV while crossing Jamaica Avenue at 169th Street. Hollins had just completed a graveyard shift and left his home to purchase food from a nearby bodega.
Surveillance footage reportedly reveals that Hollins was crossing against the traffic light when the police vehicle, driven by Officer Cody Duffy of the 103rd Precinct, approached. While Duffy claimed he slowed down as he entered the intersection, video evidence suggests that there was no noticeable reduction in speed. Hollins, who was crossing the street, recounted that he barely had time to react as the vehicle bore down on him. He described hearing a revving sound moments before the collision, which left him motionless on the asphalt, with his sweatshirt hanging from the sideview mirror of the police SUV.
In the aftermath of the accident, Hollins filed a notice of intent to sue the city, underscoring his intent to seek accountability for the incident. His attorney, Nicholas Liakis, is also advocating for a broader conversation about the propriety of police pursuits and vehicular responses in densely populated areas. Liakis has referenced multiple similar cases in which pedestrians were injured by speeding police vehicles, emphasizing the necessity for law enforcement to exercise due caution.
According to the NYPD crash report, Duffy was responding to a high-priority call for backup related to a foot chase involving a knife. However, the circumstances of Hollins’ injury raise critical questions about the safety protocols and policies governing police conduct during emergency responses. In January 2023, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch instituted new guidelines aimed at limiting police pursuits to serious offenses, but critics argue that the existing policies on emergency vehicle operation warrant further scrutiny.
Hollins, who has experienced considerable disruption to his family’s plans since the accident, previously worked night shifts for per hour at a local Dollar Tree. Following his injuries—which include a concussion, knee fracture, and spinal contusions—the store terminated his employment, leaving his family in a precarious financial situation. The stress of not being able to secure permanent housing for his five children while recovering adds to the challenges Hollins faces.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns surrounding the intersection of public safety, law enforcement practices, and pedestrian rights within New York City. As investigations continue, the ramifications of this event are sure to reverberate, raising crucial dialogues about urban safety regulations and police accountability in emergency situations.
