Teen Critically Hurt in Bronx Scooter Crash—Driver Still Missing
A 16-year-old girl is clinging to life after a brutal scooter crash in the Bronx early Saturday morning. And get this—the guy who was driving just took off, leaving her there like trash on the sidewalk. Cops are still looking for him, and honestly? This whole mess has people asking some tough questions about hit-and-runs and whether these scooters are even safe in a city like ours. Here’s what we know.
What Actually Went Down in the Bronx?
The Crash
So around 10:30 a.m., near East 149th and Courtlandt Avenue, this scooter—electric, the kind you see everywhere now—smashed into a sedan and a delivery van. Witnesses say the girl was just a passenger. The driver? Some dude in his 20s who bailed faster than a subway rat when the lights come on. Left her lying in the street, broken and bleeding. Real class act.
How’s the Girl Doing?
Not good. Like, really not good. She’s got a serious head injury, broken bones—the works. They rushed her to Lincoln Hospital, and last I heard, she’s still in a medically induced coma. “She looked… gone already when they put her in the ambulance,” said this bodega guy who saw it all but didn’t want his name out there. Can’t blame him. But damn, that image sticks with you.
Cops Are Hunting, But Here’s the Thing…
What Police Are Doing
NYPD’s pulling traffic cam footage, but so far? Nothing. The scooter was some beat-up black model, no registration—shocker. Detective Ruiz put it bluntly: “This wasn’t just some accident. You leave a kid to die? That’s a choice.” And choices have consequences.
They Need Your Help
If you know anything—and I mean anything—call Crime Stoppers (1-800-577-TIPS). There’s a $3,500 reward. Bronx Borough President Gibson tweeted it best: “Keeping quiet helps criminals, not your neighbors.” Preach.
Why Hit-and-Runs Keep Happening
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Get this: 42% of NYC traffic deaths are hit-and-runs. And only 1 out of 5 drivers who bolt ever get caught. That’s not justice—that’s a system that’s broken. The girl’s family? They’re living that nightmare now.
Why Do They Run?
Usually one of three things: drunk driving (about 25% of cases), no license, or just pure panic. Jamal Carter from Safe Streets NYC nailed it: “It’s selfishness dressed up as survival instinct. That guy valued his freedom over a kid’s life.” Cold.
Scooters in the City: Convenient or Death Traps?
The Ugly Truth
E-scooter injuries jumped 71% since 2021 here. Teens get hurt the most. And why? Because unlike a car, there’s no metal cage around you. Dr. Yang, this trauma surgeon, put it bluntly: “Riding one in heavy traffic is like playing Russian roulette.”
If You’re Gonna Ride Anyway…
Wear a damn helmet (it’s the law), throw on something reflective, and stay off the busiest streets. Cops will tell you: “Pretend you’re invisible to drivers—because half the time, you are.” Scary thought.
What People Are Saying and Doing
Community Steps Up
The girl’s GoFundMe hit $50K in like 12 hours. One donor wrote, “Bronx takes care of its own.” Meanwhile, activists did this “die-in” protest at City Hall—lying in the street to demand tougher scooter laws. Powerful stuff.
What Happens Next?
If they catch the guy? Felony charges for sure—reckless endangerment, leaving the scene, the whole list. Lawyers say the family could sue later, but first? She’s gotta make it through the night. And the next one. And the one after that.
Bottom Line
While cops chase leads and a family waits by a hospital bed, this whole tragedy shows what happens when reckless driving meets a system that’s too easy to game. So if you know something, speak up. Hug your kids. And remember—these streets? They belong to all of us, not some coward who can’t face what he did.
For updates on the girl’s condition, check @NYPDnews on Twitter. And hey—be careful out there.
Need More Info?
- NYPD’s Hit-and-Run Tip Page (seriously, call if you know anything)
- City’s Scooter Safety Tips (worth a look if you ride these things)
- The Family’s Fundraiser (every little bit helps)
Source: NY Post – US News
