NEW YORK, NY — A Bronx man has been arrested in connection with a fatal crash that killed a 69-year-old woman on the Upper West Side earlier this month, police said.
Juan Santana, 28, of 1129 Forest Avenue, was taken into custody after investigators determined he failed to yield to a pedestrian and did not exercise due care when turning onto West 96th Street from Amsterdam Avenue on Tuesday, November 12, at around 12:52 p.m., according to the NYPD.
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Key Points
- Juan Santana, 28, was arrested for failing to yield and exercising due care.
- Victim Miriam Reinharth, 69, died after being struck and hospitalized.
- NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is continuing the investigation.
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Police responded to a 911 call about a pedestrian struck and found Miriam Reinharth, 69, conscious but suffering from a broken lower left leg at the intersection. She was transported to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital in stable condition, where she later died from her injuries.
According to authorities, Santana was driving a 2014 Ford Ambulance northbound on Amsterdam Avenue and was making a left-hand turn onto West 96th Street when he hit Reinharth, who was crossing the street from north to south.
Ongoing investigation following crash
Officials said that initially, no arrests were made at the scene as the investigation remained open. However, after further review by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad, charges were filed against Santana.
“The investigation is ongoing by the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad,” the police department said in a statement.
Authorities identified the victim as Miriam Reinharth, a Manhattan resident living at 134 West 93rd Street.
Charges filed as family awaits answers
Santana faces charges of failing to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, according to police records. The circumstances leading up to the crash, including whether Santana was working at the time or if any mechanical issues were involved, have not been disclosed.
Police have not released any additional details about potential further charges or court appearances as of Monday.
Investigators are continuing to collect evidence, including any surveillance footage from the area and witness statements.
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