BROOKLYN, NY – A hit-and-run death that occurred on Friday, October 20, has been reclassified as a homicide following the death of the victim, Francis Ortega, a 50-year-old Brooklyn resident.
The incident, initially reported as a hit-and-run, occurred at the Astoria Boulevard South and Steinway Street intersection.
Ortega succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased today.
The NYPD’s ongoing investigation led to the arrest of Zahir Williams, a 24-year-old male from the Bronx, on Thursday, November 9, at approximately 11:00 AM, within the confines of the 114 Precinct.
Williams faces charges of Murder, Gang Assault, and Vehicular Assault. The arrest follows the initial incident, where a BMW traveling eastbound on Astoria Boulevard South struck Ortega at the intersection with Steinway Street.
The driver, now identified as Williams, fled on foot. Ortega was transported to NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst.
The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad continues investigating the incident.