Faqiu Lin and Kex Un Chen die in fatal Brooklyn hit-and-run crash
Fatal Brooklyn car crash death of Faqiu Lin and Kex Un Chen
Two men lost their lives in a deadly hit-and-run crash early Friday morning in Brooklyn’s Sunset Park neighborhood.
The victims, identified as 59-year-old Faqiu Lin and 80-year-old Kex Un Chen, were struck around 4:30 a.m. at the intersection of Third Avenue and 52nd Street.
Authorities say surveillance footage captured a BMV speeding south on Third Avenue moments before hitting the two men. One of the victims was pushing a shopping cart while the other walked with a cane. Neither appeared to notice the fast-approaching vehicle, which did not slow down before striking them.
Both men were found lying in the roadway by officers and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Juventino Anastacio Florentino, 23, was arrested later the same day at his residence in Staten Island. Police were able to track him down using security footage and debris from the damaged car left behind at the crash site.
Florentino was arraigned on Saturday and now faces multiple charges, including reckless manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, fleeing the scene of a fatal collision, reckless driving, and endangerment.
According to police, Florentino has no previous criminal record.
It is believed the victims were en route to a food pantry operated by City Harvest. A statement from the organization expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and highlighted the vulnerability of New Yorkers seeking essential services.
Footage from the area showed a long line of people outside the food pantry earlier that morning. Local resident Mike Gonzalez remarked on the usual crowd, saying it is common to see people gathering early to collect food.
Both Lin and Chen reportedly lived nearby, with Chen residing just a few blocks from where he was fatally struck. His grieving son has chosen not to speak publicly at this time.
