Passenger sought after car speeds down Midtown street, injuring 10 pedestrians
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) — Police are on the lookout for a passenger who fled the scene after a car sped down a busy Midtown street, injuring 10 pedestrians.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 5:30 p.m. when an unlicensed driver drove a vehicle through E. 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue. The victims, ranging in age from six to 72, were taken to Bellevue Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities have identified the vehicle as a 2018 maroon Hyundai Tucson with Illinois plates, which was reported stolen from the Bronx last month.
Police officers had been following the vehicle in an attempt to verify if it was the same one that had been reported stolen. However, when they activated their lights, the 20-year-old driver refused to pull over.
During the pursuit, the stolen car struck a bicyclist and a taxicab before jumping the curb and hitting pedestrians. The driver then made a U-turn in the middle of the busy intersection and proceeded the wrong way up Lexington Avenue.
The chase came to a dramatic end when the driver collided head-on with a black Toyota, causing damage to three vehicles in total.
Civilians at the scene detained the driver until officers arrived to make the arrest. However, a female passenger managed to flee the scene.
Deputy Chief Mario Thompkins provided an update on the victims’ conditions, stating, “Thankfully all critical, non-life threatening. The most severe being an ankle fracture to a young lady. The others were just minor abrasions and neck and back pain.”
Interestingly, the congestion in Midtown may have played a role in keeping the injuries sustained by the victims relatively minor, as it kept the pursuit at a low speed.
As the investigation continues, police are actively searching for the passenger who fled the scene.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the importance of adhering to traffic laws to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other motorists.
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What measures were taken by the police officers to apprehend the suspect and recover the stolen vehicle
Police are searching for a suspect who fled the scene after a car sped down a busy street in Midtown Manhattan, causing injuries to 10 pedestrians.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at approximately 5:30 p.m. when an individual without a driver’s license drove a vehicle through the intersection of E. 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue. The victims, ranging in age from six to 72 years old, were transported to Bellevue Hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
Authorities have identified the vehicle as a maroon 2018 Hyundai Tucson with Illinois license plates, which was reported stolen from the Bronx last month.
In an attempt to confirm if the vehicle was the same one involved in the incident, police officers were following it at the time.
“Sending thoughts and prayers to the injured pedestrians affected by this terrible car crash. Hoping that the Manhattan Police Department swiftly locates the passenger and brings them to justice. Safety on our streets should always be a priority.”