Oil Truck Driver Charged After Fatally Hitting Pedestrian in NYC

Prosecutors say the driver checked on the victim, then fled the scene.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A 33-year-old Florida resident named Vincent Spano was driving an oil truck in New York City's Upper East Side when he backed up through an intersection and struck a 44-year-old pedestrian named Terrill Jenkins, who was in the crosswalk. Spano then got out, checked on the victim, and drove off, according to prosecutors. Jenkins later died from his injuries at the hospital.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face on city streets, especially from large commercial vehicles. It also raises questions about hit-and-run laws and whether drivers have an ethical and legal obligation to remain at the scene and render aid after a collision.

The details

Spano was operating a dark-green and red oil truck early Friday near E. 61st St. and Lexington Ave when he backed up through the intersection and struck Jenkins, who was in the crosswalk around 4:49 a.m. Spano then drove forward, stopped the truck, got out and checked on the victim, before getting back in the truck and driving off. Jenkins was found crumpled in the road with massive injuries and died about three hours later at the hospital.

  • The incident occurred around 4:49 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2026.
  • Jenkins died of his injuries about three hours later at the hospital.

The players

Vincent Spano

A 33-year-old resident of Palm Harbor, Florida, who was driving the oil truck involved in the fatal collision.

Terrill Jenkins

A 44-year-old pedestrian from Harlem who was struck and killed by Spano's oil truck while in the crosswalk.

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What’s next

Spano is due back in court on May 6 to face charges of leaving the scene of a fatal crash and failure to exercise due care.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for stricter laws and enforcement to hold drivers accountable when they flee the scene after striking and killing a pedestrian. It also highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially in dense urban areas, and the importance of promoting road safety for all users.