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NYPD arrests school bus driver in deadly hit-and-run crash with girl in Brooklyn
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Feb 6, 2026
Modified Feb 6, 2026
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Mindaugas Dulinskas/Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Feb 6, 2026
Modified Feb 6, 2026
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A school bus driver who allegedly struck and killed an 11-year-old girl in a hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn on Thursday afternoon has been arrested, police officials said Friday.
According to the NYPD, 62-year-old Wawa Aurelus was taken into custody shortly after 3 p.m., around the time officials say he hit Amira Aminova at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Bath Avenue in Bath Beach.
Police said Aurelus did not stay at the scene.
He was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, officials said. The NYPD said he lives in East Flatbush.
Aminova was just steps from her home when she was struck, according to police. First responders took her to Maimonides Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Attorney information for Aurelus was not immediately available. He is due before a judge in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Friday.
Clarification: This story has been updated with the correct location for the crash, based on the latest information from police.
Tagged
bath beach
brooklyn
new york city
public safety
transportation
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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