He could have written exactly the same "my NASA dreams are dashed" hyperbole had he run a red light, or even jaywalked. In every case, if he doesn't pay the ticket, a judge could issue an arrest warrant --- but almost certainly wouldn't. If this had happened in Chicago, the likely outcome would be that he'd be turned over for collections.
New York doesn't send a ticket to a collections agency. If you fail to deal with a ticket or appear as ordered before the judge, an arrest warrant will be issued. Next time you're in NY, you'll be arrested for contempt and shipped to whatever court you are in contempt of. (You'll pick up more fines too)
Dumb kids get in trouble like this all of the time.
