QUEENS, NY — The NYPD has released a photo of a motorcyclist wanted in connection with a fatal crash on the Van Wyck Expressway near Flushing Meadows Corona Park that killed a Glendale rider in April. Investigators say the other rider sped away after the collision.
Police say the case remains active as the Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad continues to examine what happened on the exit ramp for College Point Boulevard.
What did investigators say happened on the exit ramp?
According to police, Jonathan Santiago, 39, was riding northbound on a 2018 Yamaha R1 on April 14 at about 7:15 p.m. when he struck a 2021 Yamaha motorcycle that was stopped on the exit ramp.
The impact set off a chain reaction. Santiago then hit a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van that was traveling northbound on the expressway.
What injuries did Santiago suffer?
Police said Santiago was thrown from his motorcycle and landed on the roadway. Officers from the 107th Precinct responded to a 911 call and found him with severe head trauma.
EMS took him to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
What is known about the other motorcyclist?
The driver of the Mercedes van stayed at the scene after the crash, but police said the other motorcyclist left before officers arrived. The suspect is wanted as part of the ongoing investigation.
Detectives described him as having a medium complexion, a dark full beard and mustache, thick black sunglasses, and a black half-helmet.
How can the public help with the case?
The NYPD says a reward of up to $3,500 is available for information that leads to an arrest and indictment. Tips can be shared confidentially through Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477), or in Spanish at 888-57-PISTA (74782).
People can also submit information through the Crime Stoppers website or on X at @NYPDTips. Police noted that, through July 12, the 107th Precinct had reported two traffic fatalities in 2026, compared with none at the same point last year.
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