Zhuo Lin Xie dies in fatal Homecrest moped collision
Fatal Homecrest moped collision death of Zhuo Lin Xie
A ninety-year-old man named Zhuo Lin Xie passed away following injuries sustained when a motorized scooter collided with him in Homecrest, Brooklyn, according to the NYPD’s announcement on Wednesday. The incident occurred at the intersection of Avenue U and East 14th Street.
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators reveals that Mr. Xie was crossing the busy junction on Tuesday morning when he was struck by a southbound motorized scooter. The device slammed into his body, causing him to fall to the ground.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene for approximately three minutes, briefly moving the scooter to the opposite side of the intersection before ultimately departing in a westward direction. This action was captured by nearby cameras.
Despite being transported to a medical facility, Mr. Xie did not survive his injuries. Hospital officials confirmed his death later that day.
In a statement provided to CBS News New York, the victim’s grandson expressed grief and frustration, hoping law enforcement would identify the responsible party. He also voiced concern about the prevalence of such vehicles in densely populated residential zones, emphasizing the need for greater safety measures.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), with a Spanish line at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online or via Twitter at @NYPDTips, and confidentiality is guaranteed for all callers.
Addressing a rise in similar accidents, Assemblyman Michael Novakhov recently introduced new legislation aimed at regulating electric bikes and mopeds. He believes stricter rules could prevent future tragedies, suggesting that any motorized vehicle exceeding 25 miles per hour should be mandatory to register and secure insurance. The Assemblyman has stated he intends to honor the victim by naming the bill after him and hopes to meet with the family to offer support.
Just one week prior, the Department of Transportation reported a record low in traffic fatalities during the first half of 2025. However, e-bike and other two-wheeled incidents saw a significant decrease in deadly collisions, which officials say could change with increased enforcement.
In response to the tragedy, volunteers from the Local Community Patrol took to the Homecrest intersection on Wednesday afternoon. They stood guard to ensure the safety of residents. Ryan Rivera, a participant, described the scene as chaotic and dangerous, noting that drivers often ignore traffic laws, ride without protective gear, and fail to yield to pedestrians.
Peter Forte added that the group’s mission is to prevent such events from recurring. Lisa Mai emphasized the importance of cautious driving, especially as seasonal activities increase pedestrian traffic in the area, including the elderly and children.
Lina Chen, the founder of the patrol, explained that the organization receives numerous complaints from diverse community members, including Jewish, Hispanic, and Chinese residents. She stated that reckless operators of scooters and mopeds pose a serious threat.
Seeking accountability, the neighborhood gathered at the 61st Precinct Community Council meeting on Wednesday night. Community leaders, including Sen. Stephen Chan, expressed outrage over the incident. Chen called for action to remove negligent drivers from the streets, while Councilmember Yves Etienne mentioned the captain’s concern about safety.
A CBS News investigation highlights the ongoing challenges in urban mobility. Hannah Kliger, a reporter for CBS News New York, joined the team in 2022 and has focused on issues affecting Brooklyn residents, including transportation safety and regulatory gaps.
