A Queens man was indicted for second-degree manslaughter, second-degree reckless endangerment, and other related charges after a fatal hit-and-run last fall.
The defendant, 67-year-old Daniel K. Buckley, allegedly hit a 59-year-old pedestrian, Leah Kohn, in a crosswalk in Williamsburg on Nov. 28, 2022 after pulling multiple illegal traffic maneuvers, according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Buckley then allegedly sped off, leaving Kohn — who had the right of way — lying in the street. Kohn, a grandmother, died from her injures in the hospital a few weeks later.
“Instead of stopping to call an ambulance or offer aid, this defendant heartlessly left the scene,” said Gonzalez in a statement. “After a thorough investigation, we will now seek to hold the defendant accountable for his dangerous and criminal conduct. I am committed to keeping Brooklyn’s streets safe for all people.”
The investigation found that Buckley left the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where he worked as a swing truck operator for the TV show “The Blacklist,” at about 5:45pm that evening, Gonzalez said. Surveillance video allegedly shows Buckley exiting onto Kent Avenue and drove across the two-way street, into incoming traffic. In order to avoid colliding with two vehicles headed toward him, Buckley made an illegal left turn onto Taylor Street, where he hit Kohn in the crosswalk.
After striking Kohn, Buckley drove off without stopping.
The judge ordered the defendant to be released without bail, and he will return to court on May 19, 2023. Buckley faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
