Elderly man dies days after SUV strike

A 66-year-old man mowed down by a car while he crossed a Bronx street on the block where he lived has died, police said.

Valentin Laureano of the Bronx was hit by a silver Hyundai Santa Fe at about 3:45 p.m. Sunday on Hoe Ave. near E. 167th St. in Foxhurst.

“I heard a big thump, so I rushed out the door to see what happened,” neighbor Luis Cardona said. “I saw him on the floor with his head smashed. Everyone kept saying he went up in the air and landed on his head. He was groaning, but we couldn't understand what he was saying.”

“It's terrible that he died,” said Cardona, 66. “He's such a nice guy. He would look out for people.”

Cops said the driver had thrown his car into reverse on Hoe Ave. and struck Laureano as the man crossed from east to west.

Responding officers apprehended the driver, Edwin Marcano, 48, of Harlem, who remained at the scene but didn't have a valid driver's license.

On Monday, Marcano was charged with reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unsafe backing of vehicle and failing to exercise due care. He was released without bail at an arraignment hearing on Tuesday, according to court records.

Cardona and others said Laureano lived on the block for more than 20 years.