In a heartbreaking incident that has deeply disturbed the Queens community, 49-year-old Warren Rollins of Elmont has been indicted in connection with the tragic death of 66-year-old pedestrian Gary Charlotin. The fatal accident occurred on December 10, 2023, on Hempstead Avenue near 220th Street in Queens Village, and its devastating consequences have left the community in shock and mourning.
The Incident
The events that unfolded on that fateful December evening have been recounted with sadness by law enforcement and witnesses. Authorities reported that Gary Charlotin, a well-known resident of the area, was struck by a Toyota Camry driven by 36-year-old Osman Zavala-Varela of Hempstead. The collision sent Charlotin into the eastbound lanes of Hempstead Avenue, leaving him critically injured and helpless on the road. Just as the initial shock of the first impact settled, the horror intensified.
Minutes after the first collision, Warren Rollins, driving a Chevrolet Traverse, approached the scene. In a tragic turn of events, Rollins ran over the already injured Charlotin, who had been lying in the road. Eyewitnesses have reported that Rollins did stop his vehicle after the collision. However, as bystanders urgently informed him that someone was trapped under his SUV, Rollins’s reaction was anything but what anyone would expect from someone witnessing such a horrific sight. Instead of remaining at the scene to offer help, Rollins allegedly drove off, dragging Charlotin’s body for several thousand feet.
The chilling sequence of events did not end until Charlotin’s body was eventually dislodged near the Cross Island Parkway overpass, where emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. The tragedy has not only left Charlotin’s family and loved ones grieving, but it has also sparked a broader conversation on pedestrian safety, hit-and-run accidents, and the responsibility drivers have to act with humanity and accountability in such dire circumstances.
Legal Proceedings
The case quickly gained attention as the severity of Rollins’ actions became clear. The Queens District Attorney’s Office, led by Melinda Katz, launched a thorough investigation into the incident. The probe uncovered the harrowing details of Rollins’ actions, leading to his indictment on multiple serious charges. On June 3, 2025, Rollins was arrested and indicted for:
Second-degree murder
Second-degree manslaughter
Criminally negligent homicide
Leaving the scene of an incident without reporting
The charges reflect the complete disregard Rollins displayed for human life, as well as his decision to flee the scene after causing a fatal accident. The grand jury’s decision to issue such severe charges underscores the gravity of the situation and the community’s collective desire for justice.
Rollins surrendered to the NYPD’s 105th Precinct after a nearly six-month investigation. He was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis, who ordered Rollins to be held pending his next court appearance, which is scheduled for July 17, 2025. The legal proceedings are closely followed by the community, with many awaiting the outcome to ensure justice is served for the life that was tragically lost.
Meanwhile, Osman Zavala-Varela, the driver of the Toyota Camry involved in the initial collision with Charlotin, was arrested earlier in the investigation. He faces charges of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting and tampering with physical evidence. Zavala-Varela is also due to return to court on July 10, 2025, where his fate will be determined in relation to his role in the hit-and-run incident.
Community Impact
The tragic death of Gary Charlotin has reverberated throughout the Queens community, sending shockwaves of grief, anger, and frustration. The loss of a beloved member of the community in such a senseless and violent manner has left friends, neighbors, and even strangers questioning how such a tragedy could have been prevented.
Local leaders, including District Attorney Melinda Katz, have publicly expressed their dismay at the actions of both Rollins and Zavala-Varela. Katz emphasized the recklessness of Rollins’ actions, stating that his behavior was not just a criminal act but a complete disregard for human life. She pointed out that the failure to stop and assist Charlotin after the initial collision, and the decision to drive off while dragging his body, was not only morally reprehensible but also criminally egregious.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Queens community has come together to express their condolences to Charlotin’s family and to push for stronger measures to ensure that incidents like this do not occur again. Many have called for improved pedestrian safety in the area, including better lighting, safer crossings, and heightened awareness of traffic laws. Others have urged law enforcement to take a harder stance on hit-and-run drivers and to implement stronger penalties for those who leave the scene of accidents.
For many in the community, the grief is compounded by the realization that the tragedy could have been prevented if the drivers involved had taken responsibility for their actions. The emotional toll on Charlotin’s family and the broader community is immense, and as the investigation continues, many are calling for swift legal proceedings and justice for the life that was lost.
The Impact on Pedestrian Safety
The death of Gary Charlotin highlights a critical issue that has plagued communities for years: pedestrian safety. Accidents involving pedestrians, particularly those involving vehicles, continue to be a leading cause of death and injury across the United States. In densely populated areas like Queens, the risk to pedestrians is heightened due to the heavy traffic, narrow streets, and a lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure in some areas.
Local advocacy groups have called for more resources and attention to be directed toward making streets safer for pedestrians. They stress the importance of driver education and awareness, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and dense neighborhoods. Advocates are also pushing for better traffic laws that hold reckless drivers accountable for their actions, and stronger penalties for those who leave the scene of accidents, as Rollins did.
As for the broader implications of the case, the tragedy has sparked important conversations about how communities can better protect vulnerable populations, particularly those who walk or bike in high-risk areas. More initiatives are needed to encourage drivers to be more mindful of pedestrians, particularly when they are crossing the street or walking in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, there is a growing call for better support systems for victims of accidents, including their families, who often struggle to find justice and closure after such devastating events.
Looking Toward Justice
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Gary Charlotin. His family and friends continue to mourn his loss, but they are also determined to see that those responsible for his death are held accountable. The case serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of ensuring safety on the roads for all individuals, particularly pedestrians.
While the legal process may take time, many are confident that the court system will bring justice to the family of Gary Charlotin and that the actions of both Rollins and Zavala-Varela will be met with the legal consequences they deserve. The Queens community stands united in its grief but also in its commitment to ensuring that such a tragedy does not repeat itself.
As the case continues to unfold, the memory of Gary Charlotin will remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His death may have been senseless, but his legacy, his kindness, and the love he shared with others will live on. Rest in peace, Gary—your life mattered, and your memory will not be forgotten.
