Sidewalk Driver Could Face Life If Convicted Of Murder: Queens DA

QUEENS, NY — The woman accused of driving her car onto the sidewalk and fatally striking a man using a rolling walker was arraigned on a murder charge Tuesday night, prosecutors announced.

Kiani Phoenix, 26, could face life in prison if convicted of the murder of Milton Storch, 59, on Aug. 27 near Beach 20th Street near New Haven Ave., prosecutors said.

Phoenix also faces attempted murder, assault, leaving the scene without making a report and criminal possession of a weapon charges, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s office.

Charges stem from Phoenix's fight with a 27-year-old woman inside a Far Rockaway deli, said prosecutors and police.

Onlookers separated the two women, but instead of leaving, Phoenix jumped inside a Honda Accord and pointed it toward the other woman, said prosecutors.

The second woman and most people in the crowd were able to escape into the deli, but Storch, who was disabled, and a 36-year-old pedestrian were hit, as seen on surveillance footage obtained by the District Attorney's office and Pix11 News.

Storch was fatally struck as Phoenix fled the scene and the 36-year-old suffered back and hip injuries, according to Katz’s office.

“The alleged criminal actions of this defendant resulted in fatal consequences and she will now face justice in our courts,” Katz said in a statement.

A neighbor of Storch was shocked and cried after learning about his death on Tuesday, reported Pix11.

“That didn’t have to happen to a person who had nothing to do with a fight,” the neighbor told Pix11. “To be innocently mowed down? I don’t know.”