Sikh Man Dies After Beating Following Queens Crash: NYPD

QUEENS, NY — A Sikh man died after he was beaten by an unlicensed motorist in the wake of a Queens fender-bender, police said.

Jasmer Singh, 66, died in a hospital Friday last week — one day after police said he was pummeled on the street by Gilbert Augustin, 30.

Augustin faces a slew of charges, including manslaughter and driving without a license, authorities said.

Singh's death prompted condolences from Mayor Eric Adams, who said city officials will meet with Sikh leaders this week.

"Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death," Adams posted. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you."

Jasmer Singh loved his city and deserved so much more than his tragic death. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I want our Sikh community to know you have more than our condolences. You have our sacred vow that we reject the hatred that took this innocent life and we will protect you. pic.twitter.com/JvhhmDJ9v2
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 22, 2023

The assault unfolded Oct. 19 about noon when Augustin's and Singh's cars collided on the Van Wyck Expressway near Hillside Avenue in Kew Gardens, police said.

Witnesses heard someone repeat "no police" and rip a phone from Singh's hands, the New York Daily New first reported. Singh argued with the man and got his phone back, but was then punched three times in the head and face, the report states.

Singh hit his head on the ground while the man drove off, according to the report.

Augustin was pulled over about two miles from the crash, the Daily News reported. He had a suspended license and Alabama plate that didn't match his registration, the report states.

Police requested charges of manslaughter, assault, aggravated unlicensed operator and leaving the scene of an accident against Augustin.

Singh's death isn't the only recent incident in which a Sikh man faced violence.

A 19-year-old Sikh man was beaten by a man on a Queens bus Oct. 15 for wearing a turban and a COVID mask, police said. Christopher Philippeaux, 26, faces a hate crime assault charge after that beating, authorities said.