New York Personal Injury Attorneys BlogBrooklyn Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Police Chase Crash That Claimed the Life of Health Care Professional
A tragic car crash in Bushwick has brought renewed attention to the dangers of reckless driving and high-speed police chases in densely populated neighborhoods. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced that Juan Lopez, 33, of Cypress Hills, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other charges after causing a fatal collision while fleeing police in May 2024.
Reckless Fleeing Ends in Tragedy
According to prosecutors, police attempted to stop Lopez for speeding around 5:25 a.m. on May 26, 2024. Instead of pulling over, Lopez accelerated his black 2018 Mercedes-Benz sedan to nearly 75 mph, running a red light at Gates and Wilson Avenues. Moments later, he slammed head-on into a Honda Pilot traveling lawfully through the intersection at Central Avenue and Gates Avenue.
Inside the SUV was 29-year-old health care professional Micah Dukes, who had recently graduated from Hudson Valley Community College and was beginning a career dedicated to helping marginalized communities. Dukes suffered catastrophic injuries, including brain bleeding and organ damage. Despite intensive medical care, she died at NYU Langone Medical Center on June 8, 2024.
Three other passengers in the Honda Pilot survived, including the driver, though they now carry the trauma of the crash.
A History of Dangerous Driving
This deadly incident was not Lopez’s first encounter with law enforcement for reckless driving. Public records show his vehicle accumulated multiple speeding and red-light violations in 2024. Prosecutors also revealed that in October 2023, Lopez fled police on a motorcycle in Queens, weaving through traffic and running red lights before being arrested.
Despite these red flags, Lopez avoided significant penalties at that time and was released with a plea to disorderly conduct. Unfortunately, that leniency preceded the Bushwick crash that took an innocent life.
Accountability in Brooklyn Courts
By pleading guilty to manslaughter, unlawful fleeing of a police officer, and leaving the scene of an accident, Lopez now faces four to twelve years in prison when sentenced this September. DA Gonzalez stressed that his actions showed a “complete disregard for the safety of others,” underscoring the seriousness with which Brooklyn courts treat fatal reckless driving cases.
Legal Rights After a Fatal Car Accident
When a driver’s reckless or criminal actions cause a fatal crash, families may seek justice not only through the criminal courts but also through the civil justice system. A wrongful death lawsuit can help surviving family members pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses related to the crash
- Loss of financial support and benefits
- Pain and suffering, including emotional anguish from losing a loved one
These civil claims are separate from criminal charges and can hold negligent drivers and their insurers financially accountable.
Brooklyn Car Accident Attorneys Fighting for Families
At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our Brooklyn car accident attorneys have decades of experience representing families devastated by fatal crashes. We understand the pain of losing a loved one to reckless driving and are committed to securing justice both in and out of the courtroom.
If you lost a family member in a Brooklyn car accident involving speeding, reckless driving, or police chases, contact us today at 212-943-1090 for a free, confidential consultation.
