Driver charged months after fatal Unionport hit-and-run

Brandon Jose De La Cruz was crossing near Ellis Avenue

The crash happened at about 6:05 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2025, on the Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road at Ellis Avenue. The city record lists De La Cruz as a 20-year-old pedestrian killed at an intersection. Police told reporters he was crossing the service road when a driver in a westbound SUV hit him.

Medics took De La Cruz to Jacobi Medical Center, where he died. News 12 reported that relatives said he had been on his way to the gym.

Police later arrested a driver

In April 2026, police arrested Enisman Jalloh, 22. News reports said he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and tampering with evidence. The Daily News reported that police sources said Jalloh got rid of his SUV after the crash, and court records showed he was released after posting $10,000 bail.

Early News 12 coverage said investigators were looking for the driver of an SUV after the fatal crash. Later reports identified Jalloh as the driver police said had operated the SUV and did not stay at the scene.

Family and friends mourned at the service road

At a vigil near the crash site, Rommer Jose, identified by News 12 as Brandon's uncle, said, "We've been devastated because, it's been difficult. Brandon was a good kid, full of life." News 12 also reported that Brandon's father, Medardo Jose, wanted justice for his son.

Carolina Valle, identified as a family friend, told News 12 that drivers do not treat the service road like a local street. "This is not a highway. This is just a local street that they don't respect," she said.

Witnessed street behavior drew concern

News 12 reported that people near the vigil said drivers come too fast off the Cross Bronx Expressway and that the ramp is not long enough for drivers to slow before the red light. The station said its video showed drivers passing the red light and others stopping in the crosswalk.