NYPD: Man Was Driving Without License When SUV Jumped Curb, Killed 1-Year-Old Girl
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A 22-year-old driver is facing a slew of charges after causing a crash that killed a 1-year-old girl.
The child was sitting in a stroller when a car jumped a curb in the Bronx, crushing her.
It happened in the Olinville section.
Neighbors stopped by a tiny memorial Wednesday to remember the little girl who lost her life. One mother who spoke with CBS2's Christina Fan could barely hold back her emotions as she thought about the family's crushing loss.
"It's just heartbroken, it's crazy. I wouldn't even imagine going through this, because I would go crazy," said Dayana Gonzalez.
Surveillance video shows the driver of a white SUV lose control Tuesday afternoon, veering and then jumping on to a curb at White Plains Road near 216th Street.
The child's mother cried anguished screams as she realized her daughter's stroller was pinned against the wall. Neighbors ran to help.
"I pushed the car back. Me and my boys pushed the car and we take the baby from the thing," said good Samaritan Atta Bofa.
Police say the child, Djeneba Magassa, did not survive. They've arrested the driver, 22-year-old Kier Boneparte of Staten Island. They say he was driving without a license or insurance.
"He got out. He was very shaken up. He did come out and try to help," said witness Beverly Taylor.
Neighbors say the victim's family just moved onto the block a few months ago.
"Was a beautiful child. Sorry that it happened, and I hope that the mother can recover and the family can as well," said Eli Bell.
Police say the driver is also being charged with reckless driving and failing to yield to a pedestrian. He also had three prior arrests, most drug-related.
