NEW YORK — Tragedy struck East Flatbush, Brooklyn, on Sunday when a 24-year-old dollar van driver was fatally shot by an assailant in a moving vehicle. The incident, which unfolded around 12:55 p.m. at 837 Utica Avenue, has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, highlighting concerns about violence in areas served by these informal transit services.
Authorities report that the driver was stationed in his van when another similar vehicle pulled alongside and an occupant opened fire. The shooter’s vehicle then sped away southbound on Utica Avenue, making a turn onto Snyder Avenue, and has yet to be located by the police.
Emergency responders rushed the victim to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but he was later pronounced dead. As of now, it remains unclear whether there were any passengers in either van during the time of the attack.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and detectives are continuing their investigation into the motives behind this violent act. This type of attack is particularly alarming in the dollar van community, which serves as an essential mode of transport in several of New York’s outer boroughs.
Dollar vans have been a critical component of the city’s transportation network, especially in neighborhoods underserved by traditional public transit. Emerging during the 1980 transit strike, these vans offer an affordable travel option, with fares generally ranging between $2 and $3. They operate on set routes but are not regulated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) or any municipal agency.
Despite their informality, these vans are a lifeline for many in lower-income areas, providing vital connectivity and enabling economic mobility. The community served by this informal sector now faces a dual challenge: grappling with the loss of a community member and confronting the underlying issues of safety and security in their daily commutes.
Community leaders and local safety advocates are calling for increased attention to the security of dollar van drivers and passengers alike. They argue that the informal nature of these services should not preclude them from receiving the protections needed to operate safely.
As the police seek leads to apprehend those responsible, the incident raises broader questions about the safety of informal transit systems and the measures that can be taken to protect those who rely on them in cities across the country. The hope is that identifying and addressing these security concerns will prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure safe, reliable transport for all users.