After Neftaly Ramirez, beloved server at Paulie Gee’s, was struck and killed by a private garbage truck at the intersection of Franklin and Noble Streets in July, the NYPD brought no charges against the person who hit him. After conducting an investigation in August, the police claimed they could not press charges because the driver “didn’t know” he had hit Ramirez.
Despite the lack of charges, the case remained open, as the District Attorney’s office began its own investigation. Given that the case was open, the full details of the crash were not available to the public, a situation particularly frustrating to this community as it grieved the loss.
On January 9th, the DA’s investigation also closed without charges. According to Brooklyn Paper, Brooklyn DA, Eric Gonzalez, determined that he could bring no charges because prosecutors failed to find “necessary evidence” against the driver.
A closed case may not mean closure for family, friends, and a community that has suffered several traffic fatalities. As we speak, Council Member Levin is working with the Department of Transportation on a Transportation Study for Community Board 1. The study relies on community input. If you’d like to share your views on traffic and street safety in the neighborhood, you can do so here.