🌱 NYPD Van Strikes Pedestrian + Park Slope Manhole Explosion

Happy Saturday, Brooklyn! I am your host Patrick Murray here with 4 headlines to start your day.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon shower with a high of 56 and a low of 41.

Here are the top stories today in Brooklyn:

1. A pedestrian was fatally struck by a police van on Thursday night. The 53-year-old man was standing in the median of Easter Parkway when the van, carrying prisoners, struck him. The victim was transported to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. (NBC New York)
2. A manhole explosion on Friday morning in Park Slope forced locals from their homes, and shut down traffic for several hours. At least two manholes flew into the air, and black smoke was sent spiraling into the sky at approximately 9:35 a.m. About two dozen firefighters remained in the area, and were seen measuring air quality levels at about noon. (Patch)
3. A pair of individuals attacked a livery cab driver after refusing to pay for a ride from East New York to Bed-Stuy last Monday, March 28. The 48-year-old driver exited the car and confronted the duo, before one of them pulled out a knife, and they continued to punch the victim. The driver was uninjured by the knife, but the suspects remain at large. (Patch)
4. An MTA clerk was attacked at the Franklin Avenue subway station while she was roping off a turnstile area. The victim was blindsided at approximately 11:30 a.m., when the suspect yanked her hair, threatened to kill her, and punched her in the face multiple times. The victim was taken to a local hospital and expected to make a recovery, while the suspect remains at large. (NBC New York)

Today in Brooklyn:

• Daniel Rossen live at Brooklyn Made. (7 p.m.)
• Brooklyn Underground Comedy, Sovereign. (7:30 p.m.)
• Baby Keem live at Brooklyn Bowl. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Read a unique story from one of Brooklyn Flea's longtime vendors. (Instagram)
• King David Tacos giving out free breakfast tacos today! (NewsBreak Original)
• Check out the Unearth Vintage pop-up shop, on Smith Street. (Brooklyn Paper)
• Remembering Francesca Kaczynski in Prospect Park. (Brooklyn Paper)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Patrick Murray