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Speeding, Unlicensed Driver Kills Senior Citizen, Walks With Misdemeanor
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Aug 8, 2013
Modified Aug 8, 2013
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By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Aug 8, 2013
Modified Aug 8, 2013
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A driver operating his vehicle without a license, who struck and killed an elderly man while speeding, will only be given a misdemeanor by Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.
Joel Rodriguez, 25, hit 73-year-old Rafael Diaz while Diaz was crossing Atlantic Avenue in Woodhaven during the evening of May 16th. Rodriguez, who was reportedly traveling faster than 60 MPH, was also wanted at the time by police on another vehicular charge altogether.
Streetsblog reports that Rodriguez was charged with driving without a license and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, which only carries a fine. The charge stipulates that Rodriguez knew he wasn't legally allowed to drive, but did so anyway. Rodriguez will most likely face a $500 fine.
The fine for Rodriguez is in line with other recent charges against unlicensed drivers who killed pedestrians. Because as we've learned over and over again, the best way to get away with murder in New York City is to get behind the wheel and floor it.
Tagged
manslaughter
nypd
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vehicles
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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