New York police engaged in a wild chase Thursday, that ended in damage to dozens of vehicles, and left several people hurt. Fortunately, all injuries were minor, and the driver was taken to hospital after slamming into a row of parked cars.
Police say their chase started a little after 5:00 p.m. local time, when they spotted a W.B. Mason box truck that was suspected of having been stolen in New Jersey. They were on the lookout for the vehicle and its driver, who allegedly engaged in illegal activities earlier in the day.
Before the chase started, police claim the driver left the box truck, stole two other vehicles, and eventually returned to the delivery truck, for reasons that are not yet clear. ABC7NY reports that after spotting the truck, police approached it and attempted to perform a traffic stop.
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However, the driver, an unidentified 48-year-old man, is accused of having thrown the truck into reverse, and slammed into a police cruiser. As the truck drove away, it took the police car with it, dragging it an estimated 30 to 40 feet.
Police then chased the truck for nearly five miles, across two precincts. In that time, the truck struck at least 25 vehicles, including one belonging to Regine Lorquet, who told Fox5NY that she was simply stopped at a red light, waiting for her turn to go, when the truck sped towards her.
“It was like you’re in a movie. I wasn’t even thinking about anything. I was just waiting for the light minding my business,” said Lorquet. “My back and my back and my knee hurt. My back from the impact is really hurting me now bad.”
Reports indicate that 19 civilians and seven police officers were injured in the chase, but all were minor. Officers say they called in air support and tried to shut down streets. The chase, in which a cruiser slammed into a street sign, occurred months after the NYPD told officers not to engage in high-speed pursuits due to civilian safety concerns.
Ultimately, the chase ended after the speeding box truck lost control, and crashed into a row of parked vehicles. Police said their investigation is ongoing, and charges against the driver are still pending.