Car Theft Leads to Tragic Deadly Crash in Chinatown

Surveillance footage captures a violent incident where a stolen vehicle crashes into two pedestrians early Saturday morning in Chinatown, resulting in two fatalities. The car, a blue Chevrolet Malibu reported stolen from a rental agency, speeds through a traffic median at Bowery and Canal streets around 7:30 a.m., striking a cyclist and a woman seated on a bench just before the vehicle Careens into an NYPD van, as seen in the video.

The woman, identified as May Kwok, was sitting on the bench moments before the impact and disappeared from view afterward. The bicyclist, Kevin Cruickshank, a married father and senior bank official, appears to be struck with deadly force. A family spokeswoman expressed grief, highlighting his warm personality and his love for cycling, describing his death as devastating for the community.

The incident resulted in the death of Kwok and severely injured Cruickshank. The vehicle then collided with an unoccupied police van. Authorities later apprehended the suspected driver, 23-year-old Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero, and her 22-year-old passenger, Kennedy LaCraft, both of whom fled the scene but were quickly detained nearby. A search revealed drugs and alcohol in the vehicle, and Romero faces charges related to the crash. She has an existing pending case from April involving a previous accident.

Kevin Cruickshank was remembered as a beloved member of the neighborhood, known for his kindness and passion for biking. A family representative asked for privacy during this difficult time, mourning his loss. Kwok, described as a free spirit, enjoyed walks and attending church, cherished by those who knew her.