Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
DMV Judge Apologizes To Driver Who Fatally Struck Cyclist, Silences Victim's Mother
By
Nathan Tempey
Published May 1, 2017
Modified May 1, 2017
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 .
By
Nathan Tempey
Published May 1, 2017
Modified May 1, 2017
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 Department of Motor Vehicles judge read from an erroneous police report and apologized to a driver, who fatally struck a cyclist, during a recent hearing.
Streetsblog reports that at the Friday hearing Judge Jettie Thomas only had the preliminary NYPD crash report for the April 2016 death of Lauren Davis, who was biking on Classon Avenue in Brooklyn when Jennine Chung turned left onto Lexington Avenue and ran her over. Police initially told reporters that Davis was riding against traffic on Classon, but witness accounts contradicted that, and the department later changed its conclusion to affirm that she was riding with traffic.
Police ultimately charged Chung with failure to exercise due care, a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $750, up to 15 days in jail, a driver training course, and/or license suspension. They opted not to pursue a charge of failure to yield resulting in death under the city's Right of Way law, a misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $250 and as many as 30 days in jail.
The NYPD Highway Patrol detective on the case did not show up to the hearing despite telling the family that he would, according to Streetsblog. And though Highway Patrol prepared an extensive report reflecting what actually happened, the judge, Jettie Thomas, had the early write-up reflecting the inaccurate version of events.
When Thomas began to refer to the preliminary report, Davis's mother reportedly piped up to correct the record, but Thomas told her, "You're not allowed to participate. You're invited here as a courtesy."
In the end, Thomas adjourned the hearing without deciding whether Chung broke the law, saying she needed more information. But first, she begged Chung's pardon, saying, "Ms. Chung, I’m sorry for your problems and I’m sorry that this is being stretched out."
Davis's sister Danielle told Streetsblog, "We’re feeling humiliated. Our family is absolutely insulted by what has happened today. If we hadn’t been there, and no one had been there to represent Lauren, Lauren would have been blamed, and that is so wrong."
Kathy Cherry, a friend of Davis's, shared the sentiment, telling Gothamist, "It pains me that this tragedy can't be made into something that helps others by making an example of people who drive recklessly."
The NYPD did not respond to a request for comment on what the protocol is for providing crash reports to the DMV. Chung and her lawyer could not be reached.
Tagged
cis
clinton hill
dmv
highway patrol
lauren davis
nypd
right of way law
vision zero
Nathan Tempey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
In surveys, many who say they want want help state they don't know where to start.
By
Caroline Lewis
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
City attorneys allege the firm said its clients were injured by defective city streets or sidewalks when in reality they were hit by cars or banged up in fights.
By
Walter Wuthmann
News
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
City attorneys allege the firm said its clients were injured by defective city streets or sidewalks when in reality they were hit by cars or banged up in fights.
By
Walter Wuthmann
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
By
Catalina Gonella
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
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 .