Faqiu Lin,Kex Un Chen Obituary, Death; – The driver involved in a hit-and-run incident, who is accused of fatally hitting two men near a food pantry in Brooklyn, is scheduled to be arraigned in court this weekend.
Juventino Anastacio Florentino, aged 23, is anticipated to appear before a judge on Saturday regarding the fatal hit-and-run that occurred in Sunset Park.
The tragic collision took place at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday at the intersection of Third Avenue and 52nd Street.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement officers discovered the two men on the roadway, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased victims have been identified as 59-year-old Faqiu Lin and 80-year-old Kex Un Chen.
Surveillance footage recorded the BMW traveling southbound on Third Avenue prior to colliding with the men, who seemingly did not notice the approaching vehicle. One of the victims was observed pulling a grocery cart, while the other was using a cane before the impact. The vehicle did not appear to apply brakes before striking the victims and fleeing the scene.
Florentino was apprehended later on Friday morning at his residence in Staten Island, facing multiple charges, including manslaughter for recklessly causing death, criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death, reckless driving, and reckless endangerment.
Authorities were able to locate the BMW near the suspect’s residence by utilizing video evidence and fragments of the vehicle left at the accident site. City Harvest issued the following statement in response to the tragic event:
“We are profoundly saddened by the unfortunate deaths of two individuals in Sunset Park this morning. Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones. We recognize that they may have been en route to our Mobile Market, simply attempting to access food like many New Yorkers in need.”
Security footage from Friday morning depicted a line extending for blocks outside the food pantry.
“I pass through here almost every morning,” remarked Sunset Park resident Mike Gonzalez. “I walk by and see them all lined up, even on the opposite side of the street. The line is quite long. They arrive early to ensure they can get their supplies promptly.”
It is believed both victims lived near the scene where they were killed. Chen, in particular, lived a couple of blocks from where he was mowed down. His heartbroken son declined to comment. Florentino has no prior arrest history.
