Woman in deadly Chinatown crash was previously charged in Brooklyn hit-and-run

A 23-year-old woman is facing mounting legal trouble after being charged in two major New York City incidents within months.

Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero was first arrested for leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a license after an April 13 crash in Brooklyn that left a 22-year-old pedestrian with serious injuries. Weeks later, she was named as the driver in a deadly crash in Manhattan’s Chinatown, which killed two people and injured several others.

Brooklyn crash details: The Brooklyn crash happened when Romero allegedly struck a woman as she was exiting an Uber in the early morning hours. The pedestrian suffered injuries to her face, neck, shoulder and collarbone. Police say Romero fled the scene and was arrested the next day. She was charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing serious injury and aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. In line with New York’s bail reform laws, Romero was released pending trial.
Fatal Chinatown collision: On July 19, Romero was identified as the driver in a high-speed crash in Chinatown after a stolen rental car exited the Manhattan Bridge and struck multiple people on Canal Street. The collision killed cyclist Kevin Scott Cruickshank, 55, and pedestrian May Kwok, 63. Authorities say Romero and her passenger fled the scene but were quickly apprehended. Police recovered alcohol, firearms and illegal substances from the vehicle. Romero now faces felony charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter, aggravated vehicular homicide and multiple counts of weapon and property offenses.
Legal response, next steps: Romero’s defense attorney has argued that a struggle over the steering wheel with her passenger may have contributed to the Chinatown crash and suggested Romero did not intend to cause harm. She is now being held without bail and is scheduled for additional court appearances. Meanwhile, city officials are facing calls for stricter enforcement of driving laws and accountability for those involved in serious traffic crimes.

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