Did a Police Pursuit Lead to the Death of 15-Year-Old Antonio Benitez?

Queens Tragedy Raises Questions About NYPD Pursuit Practices and Accountability

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our Queens car accident attorneys represent families whose lives have been shattered by high-speed police chases gone wrong. The recent death of 15-year-old Antonio “Anthony” Benitez—struck by an unlicensed driver during an NYPD pursuit in Queens—is the latest incident that underscores the dangers of police chases in densely populated neighborhoods.

According to the NYPD, the fatal incident began with a 911 call at 8:01 p.m. on Saturday reporting a knifepoint robbery outside a pharmacy on Hillside Avenue and 257th Street in Floral Park. Responding officers began canvassing the area and encountered a group of teens. One of them—Antonio—fled on an electric bike. Officers pursued him for over a mile until he was fatally struck by a Lexus driver who was allegedly unlicensed.

It remains unclear how fast the officers were driving, whether they complied with NYPD pursuit protocols, or whether Antonio was even involved in the reported robbery. A high-ranking NYPD source noted that officers were on their radios throughout the chase, calling ahead for assistance—but many critical details remain unanswered.

Antonio’s family, friends, and community are devastated. His mother, Daisy Cabrera, is mourning the loss of her only child. His aunt, Emelyn Alvarenga, told reporters, “I just feel like the NYPD is at fault. They’re not providing us much information.” A family friend who started a GoFundMe page described Antonio as a sweet, respectful teen who played football and lacrosse and frequently spent time with neighborhood friends.

This tragedy has raised serious questions about the conduct of the police officers involved and the safety of their actions.

As NYC car accident lawyers with extensive experience handling police car chase litigation, we know that families often don’t realize how short the legal deadlines are in these cases. If a government agency like the NYPD may be at fault, a Notice of Claim must be filed within just 90 days of the incident. Failing to meet this deadline could forfeit the family’s right to pursue legal action entirely.

Antonio Benitez’s death should not be swept under the rug. When law enforcement actions result in the death of a child, the family deserves answers—and accountability.

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a police pursuit, contact our New York police pursuit accident attorneys at 212-943-1090. Our firm has decades of experience holding city agencies accountable and securing justice for grieving families.

image source: GoFundMe