The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) under New York Attorney General Letitia James released a report on Apr. 14 regarding the death of Erasmo Huerta Gonzalez, who died on August 23, 2025 after being struck by a New York City Police Department (NYPD) vehicle in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens County.
The case has drawn attention due to questions about police conduct and public safety during the incident. The OSI determined that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the involved officer after a detailed investigation that included body-worn camera footage, cell phone data analysis, interviews with an officer and witnesses, and legal review.
According to the report, at approximately 4:37 p.m., an NYPD officer driving a marked police car on United Nations Avenue South—closed to civilian traffic at the time—ran over Mr. Huerta Gonzalez who was lying on the roadway near Queens Theater. The area was open only to official vehicles from NYPD and city departments. Mr. Huerta Gonzalez was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation found no evidence that the officer had been speeding or driving dangerously; she was traveling at about seven miles per hour into sunlight when her vision may have been impaired. The OSI also noted that Mr. Huerta Gonzalez wore dark clothing while lying in shadowed areas of dark asphalt, making him difficult to see.
OSI concluded there is no proof beyond reasonable doubt that the officer’s actions were grossly negligent or deviated from what would be expected of a reasonable person under similar circumstances.
Letitia James heads the New York Attorney General’s office according to the official website. The office promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website, operates as a public law enforcement agency for New York according to its official website, and provides services such as consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website. It also works through regional offices across New York State addressing local legal issues according to its official website while protecting residents’ rights and ensuring public safety according to its official website.
