Boy, 8, struck and killed by truck in Queens; driver charged: NYPD

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – A driver is facing multiple charges after he allegedly struck and killed an 8-year-old boy in a Queens crosswalk on Wednesday, according to the NYPD.

The driver, identified as 52-year-old Jose Barcia, was turning left from 31st Avenue onto 100th Street around 4:15 p.m. when he took the turn too quickly and hit the 8-year-old and his older brother, according to authorities.

Another driver told PIX11 News he was stopped at a red light, and as soon as the light turned green, Barcia sped around him to try and make a quick left turn. They said the mother of the two children, who narrowly missed getting hit herself, was left screaming in the street.

Barcia has a valid driver's license but also has previous driving-related arrests, according to sources. He stayed at the scene and was the first to call 911, according to authorities.

The NYPD issued a warning about safe driving as more people walk outside during warmer weather.

The charges against Barcia came down late Wednesday night.