FLUSHING, NY – A 3-year-old boy was fatally struck in a hit-and-run incident on Wednesday night in the Flushing neighborhood. The boy and his family were on their way home from a doctor’s appointment when the tragic event occurred on College Point Boulevard and 41st Avenue.
According to officials, a 2014 Infiniti Q50 was pulling out of a parking space when the young pedestrian, Quintas Chen, crossed in front of the vehicle. Chen was hit by the left front tires of the sedan which continued south on College Point Boulevard. Chen was transported to New York-Presbyterian Queens hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver reportedly fled from the scene immediately after the incident took place. Shortly thereafter, police located the vehicle a few blocks away. The driver has yet to be found, and police are still on the lookout for them.
The Chen family is mourning their son’s sudden and tragic death. State Assemblyman Ron Kim addressed the incident, stating the safety concerns of the bustling area, with vehicles parked and backing out daily.
The accident took place in a No Standing zone outside a bustling strip mall, where pedestrians often dodge traffic amidst frequent blockages. This tragedy resonates with another Flushing family who, ten years ago, lost their 3-year-old in a similar accident just blocks away.
While the investigation is ongoing, the Chen family is raising funds to bury their young son next to his grandparents in Oklahoma.