Driver Injures 8 Near Times Square Fleeing Police

TL/DR –

A driver trying to escape police in Midtown Manhattan struck and injured eight people on a sidewalk. The incident occurred overnight on Sunday, with cellphone video capturing the out-of-control Mercedes trying to flee NYPD officers. The driver, a 44-year-old man, crashed into a number of cars and people while driving the wrong way, eventually crashing on the sidewalk; a police officer and a 39-year-old woman were among the injured.

Driver Strikes, Injures 8 on Sidewalk in Midtown Manhattan

A driver attempting to dodge police injured eight pedestrians on a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk early Sunday. Cell phone footage displayed the chaotic scene as the driver tried to escape NYPD officers near West 34th Street and Ninth Avenue.

The chase started around 1:30 a.m. Monday when police responded to a dispute at the corner of 33rd and Seventh. The driver, a 44-year-old man, fled as officers approached, hitting several vehicles and pedestrians while driving in the wrong direction on 34th Street, according to police.

Among the injured were a police officer and a 39-year-old woman pinned under a food truck. “It’s crazy. This is not the first time that something happened on New Year’s here,” said Boris Torres, whose Peruvian restaurant was damaged by the vehicle. “Not a car, but somebody robbed multiple stores,” he added. With his restaurant’s awning destroyed, Torres is uncertain when he will be able to reopen.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be my insurance or the insurance of the car. I gotta go up to the precinct to get the report,” said Torres. The driver was arrested and is in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital. Charges are pending.

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