Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Repeat Hit-And-Run Driver Has Killed Two, But Judge Won't Permanently Revoke License
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 15, 2015
Modified Jul 15, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Jack Montelbano's Facebook profile photo
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jul 15, 2015
Modified Jul 15, 2015
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A day after hundreds of New Yorkers rallied in Union Square to demand more accountability for dangerous drivers, a Manhattan judge decided that a garbage truck driver from New Jersey responsible for at least two fatal hit-and-run collisions should be able to drive again.
Last month Jack Montelbano was convicted of fatally striking 69-year-old Shu Ying Liu as she crossed 41st Street at Ninth Avenue with the right of way.
According to the office of Manhattan DA Cy Vance Jr., Montelbano, who was driving a truck for a private carting company when he killed Liu in 2013, was involved in another fatal hit-and-run crash at the exact same intersection in 2008, but was never charged for it.
Montelbano was also involved in a third hit-and-run collision in which his BAC was .18, according to the DA's office, and he has more than 20 driving infractions on his record over the course of 30 years.
Given his past, the Manhattan DA's office recommended that Judge Anthony Ferrara sentence Montelbano to 2-6 years in prison and a permanent license revocation for killing Liu.
According to Streetsblog, Ferrara instead opted to sentence Montelbano to 6 months in jail and 5 years probation, with a 2-year revocation of his license and a permanent revocation of his commercial license.
In two years, Montelbano can reapply to have his license restated.
“This driver showed cowardly and callous disregard for human life when he knowingly abandoned a critically injured person who wound up dying from injuries related to this crash,” Joan Vollero, a spokeswoman for the Manhattan DA's office, told Streetsblog.
“Making city streets safer for all New Yorkers is a priority for this Office, and has been the guiding principle behind our participation in regular meetings with the NYC Department of Transportation, Vision Zero panels, discussions with members of Families for Safe Streets and Transportation Alternatives, among others.”
Tagged
Jack Montelbano
pedestrian fatalities
pedestrian safety
vision zero
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .