A 44-year-old man died after being struck by an oil truck on the Upper East Side of Manhattan early Friday morning. The driver of the truck, Vincent Spano, 33, of Palm Harbor, Florida, has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Details of the Incident
According to prosecutors, Spano was operating a dark-green and red oil truck near E. 61st St. And Lexington Ave when he reversed through the intersection at approximately 4:49 a.m., striking Terrill Jenkins, who was in the crosswalk. Spano reportedly stopped the truck, exited to check on Jenkins, and then drove away.
First responders found Jenkins with massive injuries. Emergency Medical Services transported him to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he died approximately three hours later. Jenkins was a resident of Harlem.
Arrest and Charges
Spano turned himself in to the NYPD’s 76th Precinct stationhouse in Brooklyn around 7 a.m. Friday, admitting to police that he realized he had struck someone and observed the injured man before leaving the scene. He has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash and failure to exercise due care.
Judge Jeffrey Gershuny granted Spano supervised release following an arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. Prosecutors had requested bail of $75,000 cash or a $150,000 bond.
What’s Next
Spano is scheduled to return to court on May 6. Further investigation will occur before that date. A trial could follow, depending on the outcome of any plea negotiations or pre-trial motions. The legal proceedings could as well involve examination of traffic camera footage or witness testimony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred near E. 61st St. And Lexington Ave on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
What charges is Vincent Spano facing?
Vincent Spano has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash and failure to exercise due care.
Where was Terrill Jenkins transported after being struck?
Terrill Jenkins was transported to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
How do communities balance the need for efficient transportation with the safety of pedestrians?
