Suspect in Deadly 2022 Queens Hit-and-Run Arrested in Germany, Extradited to New York

Florin Stoian, 30, is accused of striking and killing 74-year-old Be Tran with a rented BMW before fleeing and burning the vehicle.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The international search for a suspect wanted for a deadly 2022 hit-and-run in Queens, New York ended in a German prison. Authorities tracked Florin Stoian, 30, across multiple countries and continents before they found him. Stoian is accused of striking and killing 74-year-old Be Tran with a rented BMW in August 2022, then fleeing the scene and burning the vehicle to destroy evidence. He has now been extradited back to New York to face charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement face in tracking down suspects who flee across borders to avoid prosecution for serious crimes. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of bail reform policies, as the suspect was allegedly involved in organized crime and used multiple aliases to evade capture.

The details

On August 14, 2022, Be Tran was struck and killed by a black BMW while crossing the street in Ridgewood, Queens. The driver, later identified as Florin Stoian, allegedly fled the scene, parked the car a mile away, and then returned hours later to set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. Police say no one else was injured, but the car explosion caused damage to other vehicles and nearby homes.

  • On August 14, 2022, Be Tran was struck and killed by a black BMW.
  • After the accident, Stoian allegedly parked the car a mile away and returned hours later to set it on fire.
  • Stoian was eventually arrested in Germany in 2026 for an unrelated crime and extradited back to New York this week.

The players

Florin Stoian

A 30-year-old Irish national with an address in Romania who is accused of the deadly hit-and-run and is allegedly involved in organized crime.

Be Tran

A 74-year-old man who was struck and killed by Stoian's vehicle while crossing the street in Ridgewood, Queens.

NYPD Lt. Jag Singh

A lieutenant with the New York Police Department who commented on the case.

Ralph Franco

The defense attorney representing Florin Stoian.

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What they’re saying

“That defendant obviously had no thoughts of helping that victim, no thoughts of his family that he leaves behind, and no thoughts of facing the consequences for his actions. Instead, he thought about himself, and he ran like a coward.”

— NYPD Lt. Jag Singh, Lieutenant (CBS News New York)

“This was an accident. I didn't want to do it. I'm sorry for his family. I was scared because I have family. I was illegally in United States, so that's why I had to run away.”

— Florin Stoian (CBS News New York)

What’s next

Stoian's next court date is scheduled for April 2, where the judge will determine if he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement face in tracking down suspects who flee across borders, as well as the need for stronger policies to hold repeat offenders accountable and protect vulnerable members of the community.