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Driver kills 69-year-old woman in Midtown East hit-and-run, police say
By
Verónica Del Valle
and
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Mar 25, 2026
Modified Mar 26, 2026
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Marco_Piunti via Getty Images
By
Verónica Del Valle
and
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Mar 25, 2026
Modified Mar 26, 2026
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The driver of a black SUV struck and killed a 69-year-old woman in Midtown East early Wednesday, then left the scene, police said.
The crash happened at the intersection of East 57th Street and Second Avenue just before 4:30 a.m., according to the NYPD.
Authorities identified the victim as Queens resident Espina Bundley. They said officers later arrested Bryan Alexis Guashpa Rumipamba in connection with the incident and charged him with leaving the scene of a crash as well as failing to yield and exercise due care. His attorney information was not immediately available.
This is the second early-morning hit-and-run in the area in under a week, according to police.
Officials said a tractor-trailer driver going in reverse fatally hit 44-year-old West Harlem resident Terrill Jenkins in a crosswalk at Lexington Avenue and East 61st Street just before 5 a.m. on Friday. The NYPD said it later arrested and charged Vincent Spano, a 33-year-old from Florida, with leaving the scene of a crash and failure to use due care in connection with the incident. Court records show he was released on non-monetary conditions and is due back before a judge in May.
Citywide, traffic deaths so far this year are at about the same level as at this point in 2025, according to police data. There were 35 traffic deaths through March 22, compared to 37 by that date last year.
This story is based on preliminary information from police and has been updated with additional details.
Tagged
midtown east
new york city
public safety
transportation
Verónica Del Valle
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Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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