Alleged Misidentification in Staten Island Pedestrian Fatality

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — It’s been reported that the New York City police Department recently corrected the identity of a pedestrian who was tragically killed in a vehicle collision on October 30. Initially, authorities identified the victim as Denise Owens, 44, but later investigations revealed she was actually Justine Perez, 37, from Sleepy Hollow Road in Staten Island.

Assistant Commissioner Carlos Nieves, representing the NYPD’s Office of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information, expressed regret over this mix-up and acknowledged the distress it may have caused families and friends involved. It’s a reminder of how critical accurate information is in sensitive situations like this.

The collision occurred around 10:28 p.m. at the intersection of Hyland Boulevard and New Dorp Lane. According to the NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad, Perez was walking eastbound in the left lane of westbound Hyland Boulevard when she was struck by a 2012 Nissan Maxima driven by an 18-year-old male, who was traveling westbound. This raises questions about pedestrian safety and the responsibilities of drivers in busy urban areas.

After the accident, Emergency Medical Services rushed Perez to Staten Island University Hospital’s North Campus, where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene, and as of now, no arrests have been made, with the investigation still ongoing.

In the aftermath of this incident, the NYPD has assured that proper notifications have been made to the family, highlighting the importance of clear communication during such difficult times. It’s a stark reminder of the need for accuracy in reporting and the impact it can have on grieving families.