An 8-year-old boy tragically lost his life and his 10-year-old brother was injured in a devastating crash in East Elmhurst, Queens. The incident occurred at the intersection of 100th Street and 31st Avenue on Wednesday at approximately 4:15 p.m. The driver, identified as Jose Barcia, 52, has a history of offenses behind the wheel and is now facing charges in connection with the incident.
Bayron Palomino Arroyo, a third-grade student at P.S. 127, was walking with his brother Bradley and their mother, Guadalupe Arroyo, when they were struck by Barcia’s pickup truck. The driver allegedly made a left turn immediately after the traffic light turned green, failing to yield to the family in the crosswalk. Bayron bore the brunt of the injuries, suffering severe head and body trauma, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses described the heartbreaking scene, with Bayron’s mother crying out in agony as emergency services arrived. Jasmine Ortiz, who lives across the street, rushed to comfort Bradley, who sustained a wrist injury. The family friend, Esmeralda Leon, expressed her sadness and anger towards reckless drivers who disregard traffic rules.
Barcia’s vehicle, a 2005 Nissan Titan with North Carolina plates, had accumulated 19 violations for speeding, parking, and red light cameras in New York City between 2023 and 2024. The truck is registered to a company called “Barcia” in Durham. The driver himself has been arrested four times in Queens for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
Bayron’s untimely death has left his family devastated, especially as it occurred just weeks before his birthday. The family has sought assistance from the Mexican consulate, which has provided them with support, legal advice, and guidance through the necessary procedures.
