Man Arrested After Deadly Brooklyn Bicycle Hit-and-Run

A 33-year-old Medford man has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run crash that killed cyclist Alexandra “Allie” Huggins, 32, in Williamsburg. This development brings long-awaited progress in a case that outraged Brooklyn’s cycling community and highlighted once again the devastating consequences of drivers fleeing crash scenes.

What Happened on the Night of the Crash

According to police, the collision occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on September 27 at the intersection of Meserole Street and Leonard Street.

Huggins was riding her bicycle southbound on Leonard Street when a blue Tesla, traveling westbound on Meserole, slammed into her. The impact caused catastrophic trauma. She was transported to Woodhull Hospital, where she died shortly after.

Witness descriptions and video led investigators to identify the fleeing vehicle as a blue Tesla that continued westbound on Meserole Street. For weeks, NYPD detectives worked to determine who was behind the wheel.

Arrest Made: Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Crash

The NYPD confirmed that Luis Machado, 33, of Medford, was taken into custody Tuesday morning at the 84th Precinct. He is charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, a felony under New York law.

Leaving a crash scene denies the victim immediate aid, obstructs investigation, and dramatically increases the trauma families endure. When a driver flees, it is often an attempt to conceal speeding, intoxication, distraction, or the lack of a valid license. Identifying and arresting a driver after a hit-and-run is only the beginning. The legal process that follows is complex and can significantly impact the victim’s family’s ability to pursue compensation and accountability.

Why These Crashes Keep Happening

Hit-and-run collisions remain a persistent crisis in New York City. Cyclists and pedestrians are especially vulnerable at intersections like Meserole and Leonard, where visibility issues, late-night speeding, and driver inattention increase the risk of serious injury or death.

For more than a century, our firm has investigated catastrophic traffic crashes throughout Brooklyn. We have seen the same patterns repeat: drivers traveling too fast at night, failure to yield to cyclists, and quick acceleration on wide industrial blocks that encourage dangerous behavior. These factors often explain why the driver flees—because they fear being held accountable.

How Our NYC Bicycle Accident Lawyers Approach Hit-and-Run Cases

Hit-and-run cases demand immediate action. Our team conducts independent investigations, obtains video from local businesses and private homes, downloads vehicle data when available, works with accident reconstruction specialists, and uncovers evidence the driver may have tried to conceal.

Even when the NYPD files criminal charges, the civil case requires its own strategy. Criminal proceedings rarely address the full measure of damages suffered by the victim’s family. Our attorneys pursue every available avenue, including:

Claims against the driver and vehicle owner
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Municipal claims where roadway design contributed to the crash
Subpoenaing Tesla data when appropriate
Identifying additional responsible parties

Our goal is not only to establish fault but to secure the financial recovery necessary to support those left behind.

Brooklyn Sees Disproportionate Risk for Cyclists

Neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick, and Downtown Brooklyn have some of the highest cycling volumes in the city. They also see a troubling number of severe crashes at night due to truck traffic, nightlife activity, and speeding on lightly enforced corridors.

Drivers who strike cyclists and flee—as alleged in this case—add another layer of tragedy. Identifying them quickly is essential for accountability and preventing future harm.

If you or someone you love was struck while cycling, our team of bicycle accident attorneys can evaluate the case immediately. Contact us online or at 212-943-1090. For additional information about motor-vehicle collisions in the borough, visit our Brooklyn car accident attorneys.