Crime & Safety
Woman Arrested After Fatally Striking 7-Year-Old Girl In Astoria: NYPD
Claudia Mendez-Vasquez, 46, was charged with criminally negligent homicide after the killing of Dolma Naadhun in February, the NYPD said.
ASTORIA, QUEENS — A 46-year-old woman was arrested after she fatally struck a 7-year-old girl from Astoria in February, police confirmed Tuesday.
Claudia Mendez-Vasquez was charged with criminally negligent homicide after the killing of Dolma Naadhun on the afternoon of Feb. 17, the NYPD said.
The driver from Maspeth ran past a stop sign and struck the seven-year-old crossing the intersection of Newton Rd. and 45 St. about 5 p.m. in February, police said.
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The killing of the 7-year-old spurred local lawmakers and residents to rally for safety improvements at the intersection, with many demanding a traffic light be installed.
The city's Transportation Department confirmed last month that Mendez-Vasquez, who was driving a 2021 Ford Explorer, only had a learner's permit and was driving without a licensed adult in the vehicle when she fatally struck Dolma.
Find out what's happening in Astoria-Long Island Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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