Senator Stephen T. Chan's Response to Fatal Hit‑and‑Run

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 10, 2025 

Brooklyn, NY — On Wednesday, July 9. New York Senator Stephen T. Chan is further increasing efforts to improve pedestrian safety after a hit and run incident that caused the death of a 90-year old resident, Zhuo Lin Xie on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 9:34 AM at the intersection of East 14th Street and Avenue U, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Mr. Zhuo Lin Xie was crossing the street when a blue moped hit him causing him to suffer severe head trauma and be taken to NYU Langone Hospital. In response, Senator Chan visited the 61st Police Precinct at 11:00 PM that same day, despite the location being outside of his district. Senator Chan voiced that although this incident occurred outside of Senate District 17, this issue impacts all communities.

The victim's grandson sent a statement to CBS News raising his concerns, “We hope the authorities can find the person who did this. We are also concerned about mopeds and scooters running rampant in crowded residential areas.” This tragedy highlights the growing concern about the lack of regulations to promote the safety of pedestrians. 

We need these scooters licensed, ensured, and regulations followed that belong on the roadway, not the sidewalk.

Senator Stephen Chan emphasized

Several similar incidents have also occurred across New York. Efrain Barreto, an 82-year-old Sunset Park resident fatally struck by an unlicensed moped rider. Barreto was hit on June 3 by 32-year-old Abed Abed of Bay Ridge while crossing mid-block near 60th Street and Fifth Avenue. According to an NYPD investigation, Abed was riding a 2023 gas-powered moped northbound on Fifth Avenue around 5 p.m. when he struck Barreto, who later died from his injuries at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn on June 6. Abed remained at the scene and was arrested that evening, facing multiple motor vehicle charges, including aggravated unlicensed operation and driving without insurance or registration. 

Another incident occurred in Brooklyn, at Franklin Street in Greenpoint on Friday, March 21, 2025, around 7:45 PM. Luis Cruz sustained major injuries after an e-bike smashed into him. The impact caused him to suffer from severe head trauma, later resulting in him passing away. These incidents emphasize the serious risks that unregulated vehicles pose.

Senator Chan understands that this is a longstanding issue and continues to advocate for Senate Bill 2436, which prohibits the sale of ATVs and off-road vehicles in New York. “We have a right to be safe as pedestrians in the city; we can’t put these e-bikes, scooters, mopeds, and anybody else in front of pedestrians’ safety, not even bicycles.” 

For more information: 
CONTACT:
The Office of Senator Stephen T. Chan
Phone: (718) 333-0311
Email: Chan@nysenate.gov