The first incident took place on Monday April 6th at 10:25 PM at the corner of 98th Street and Jamaica Avenue. 71-year-old grandmother Virginia Montalvo was pushing a cart full of recyclables when she was struck by a dark van which was speeding through the intersection. There were witnesses to this awful crime, and they reported that the driver never slowed down after the impact, leaving the elderly woman to her fate on the cold asphalt, which was now littered with blood and debris.

The aftermath of the hit and run accident that took the life of a Woodhaven grandmother. 

The second incident took place on Saturday, April 18th at 11:45 PM near 80th Street and Jamaica Avenue.  You Yuan Zhou, 42, a deliveryman for the China House Restaurant was riding his scooter and struck by a car driven by Gus Pappaeliou, 27, of 76th Street.  Mr. Zhou was killed instantly.  Pappaeliou dragged the scooter for a full block, and stopped his vehicle only to dislodge the scooter before taking flight.  The impact cracked open the radiator on Pappaeliou's car, leaving a tell-tale trail of radiator fluid, which led police directly to his door.  He was promptly arrested. 

Mr. Zhou's scooter lays on its' side after being struck.

On Tuesday, April 21st, at the monthly meeting  of the 102nd Precinct Community Council, the dual tragedies were a topic of discussion.  Council President Maria Thomson spoke about the cruelty of both incidents, and expressed relief that at least one of the perpetrators has been apprehended.   A question arose regarding the first incident about news reports that Ms. Montalvo lay on the ground for nearly 2 hours on Jamaica Avenue before being discovered, but Captain McEvoy of the 102 Precinct advised everyone that this report was completely inaccurate.

  Captain McEvoy of the 102nd Precinct Addresses the Community Council

Kate Mooney, spokesperson for Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley, spoke about legislation that Ms. Crowley has proposed regarding the fines for leaving keys in an unattended vehicle. 

Here is some video from this week's 102nd Precinct Community Council and the discussion regarding both tragedies:

Related Links:

Queens Grandmother Killed in Hit and Run

Deliveryman Killed by Hit and Run Driver

Police Seek Help in Jamaica Avenue Hit and Run

The 102nd Precinct is still searching for the driver that killed Ms. Montalvo.  If you have any information about this incident, please call CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.  All calls are confidential.

A memorial to Mrs. Montalvo, outside of C-Town on 98th Street & Jamaica Avenue

The 102nd Precinct Community Council meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.  The next meeting will be on May 19th at 8:00 PM and all are invited to attend.  It is held at the Moose Hall (across the street from the 102nd) at 87-34 118th Street.

More highlights from this months meeting will be coming soon. 

If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.com or projectwoodhaven@aol.com .  

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