Key takeaways:

• A Queens crash on Halloween night left a 46-year-old man dead.
• Police arrested 40-year-old Sharisa Hanson for driving without a license.
• Charges include aggravated unlicensed operation and license violation.
• The crash happened on the Grand Central Parkway at 9:43 p.m.
• Community members worry about pedestrian safety on busy roads.

Queens crash leads to arrest of SUV driver

A Queens crash on Halloween night turned deadly. A 46-year-old man walked along the Grand Central Parkway when an SUV struck him. Sharisa Hanson, 40, sat behind the wheel of a 2017 model vehicle. Police say she did not have a valid driver’s license. Now, she faces charges for aggravated unlicensed operation and a motor vehicle license violation. The community is shocked by this tragic loss.

What happened on Halloween night?

On October 31 at 9:43 p.m., police responded to a call about a crash. They found a man lying on the side of the road. Witnesses said he had been walking along the parkway. Suddenly, an SUV hit him. Emergency crews rushed the victim to a hospital. Sadly, he died soon after arriving.

Meanwhile, officers detained the driver at the scene. They learned she had no valid license. Investigators measured skid marks and checked street cameras. Soon, they linked the SUV to the fatal crash. Then, they formally charged the driver after speaking with witnesses.

In addition, police blocked off the roadway for several hours. Traffic backed up as detectives collected evidence. Later, they reopened the parkway once they cleared the scene. The case remains under further investigation.

Who is the accused driver?

The driver identified as Sharisa Hanson lives in Queens. She is 40 years old and drives a 2017 SUV. Police say she had not renewed her license. Therefore, they accuse her of aggravated unlicensed operation. In New York, driving without a license can lead to serious charges.

Hanson also faces a motor vehicle license violation. That means she broke state rules by driving when her license was invalid. Each count can carry fines and possible jail time. Following her arrest, Hanson waited at a local precinct. Later, she appeared in court for arraignment.

Also, neighbors describe her as quiet and polite. They did not expect her to face such charges. Meanwhile, the victim’s family seeks justice. They want to know how their loved one ended up walking on a busy parkway. Both sides now await the next court date.

Details of the Queens crash and charges

Police say the Queens crash happened near Exit 7 on the parkway. It was dark, and streetlights gave faint light. The victim walked on the shoulder, a place not meant for pedestrians. The driver veered close to the curb. Then, the SUV struck the man and spun him into a guardrail.

According to the report, Hanson did not slow down before impact. She told officers she did not see the man walking. However, prosecutors say her unlicensed status may have influenced her driving habits. They believe she should have known to brake earlier.

Charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, Hanson faces a felony. This crime applies when a person drives without a license and causes a death. The motor vehicle license violation is a lesser offense. Still, it can add months to a prison term. Next, a judge will decide bail and trial dates.

Grand Central Parkway safety

The Grand Central Parkway connects Queens to Long Island. It carries thousands of vehicles each day. Yet, it lacks sidewalks or safe walking paths. Many pedestrians must walk on narrow shoulders. This creates dangerous situations, especially at night.

Furthermore, the parkway has seen other fatal crashes. City planners discuss ways to improve safety. Ideas include better lighting, reflective signs, and emergency call boxes. However, no major changes have happened so far. As a result, locals remain concerned.

Also, drivers must obey speed limits and watch for hazards. Pedestrians should avoid walking on the parkway when possible. If they must walk, they need bright clothing and flashlights. In addition, nearby authorities urge everyone to stay alert on busy roads.

Impact on the community

Local residents feel shaken by the tragic accident. Many use nearby streets and highways daily. They worry a simple walk home could end in disaster. Families with children fear the lack of safe walkways. They want officials to act quickly.

In the days after the crash, vigil lights appeared near the site. Friends and strangers left flowers in memory of the victim. A community leader spoke out, calling for road safety measures. Meanwhile, social media posts demanded action from city officials.

Also, some neighbors plan to meet at a town hall next week. They will share ideas to make the parkway safer. Ideas range from adding guardrails to creating pedestrian bridges. They hope the awareness spurs real change before more lives are lost.

Preventing future accidents

To prevent another Queens crash, drivers must stay vigilant. They should avoid distractions like phones while driving. Also, obeying speed limits helps more time to react. Regular vehicle maintenance keeps brakes and lights working.

Pedestrians need safe routes. City planners should map alternate paths away from busy highways. Signage can warn drivers of walking hazards ahead. Flashing beacons at known crossing points could also help.

In addition, police could ramp up patrols in high-risk areas. Community volunteers might guide walkers on safe routes. Education campaigns can teach families about road risks at night. All these steps can reduce chances of tragic crashes.

Waiting for justice

Sharisa Hanson remains in custody as her case moves forward. Her attorney may ask for bail in the coming days. Prosecutors will gather more evidence and interview witnesses. The victim’s family will attend court hearings for updates.

Meanwhile, the community watches closely. They hope the legal process holds the driver accountable. At the same time, they press for safety fixes along the Grand Central Parkway. Only then can they feel safer walking near busy roads.

Ending on a note of reflection, this Queens crash reminds us of life’s fragility. It shows how a single decision to drive without a license can cause irreversible harm. Therefore, everyone must take road safety seriously.

Frequently asked questions

What happens when someone drives without a license?

Driving without a license is illegal. Depending on the state, the driver can face fines, court fees or jail time. If the unlicensed driver causes injury or death, they can face felony charges. Courts often add penalties on top of other driving violations.

Why was the victim walking on the Grand Central Parkway?

Pedestrians should not walk on parkways. Yet, some roads lack sidewalks. People may walk out of necessity or to reach public transport. This creates dangerous situations, especially after dark. Officials encourage walkers to use safer routes.

What is aggravated unlicensed operation?

Aggravated unlicensed operation occurs when someone drives without a valid license and causes harm. It is a felony in many states. Penalties include long jail sentences and high fines. Courts treat it more seriously than simple unlicensed driving.

How can communities improve road safety?

Communities can request better lighting and visible signs near busy roads. They can push for sidewalks or pedestrian paths beside highways. Safety upgrades like flashing beacons and guardrails help too. Local meetings and petitions can persuade officials to act. Source: https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/11/03/suv-driver-arrested-for-fatal-hit-of-man-walking-along-grand-central-parkway-in-queens/