Body camera footage released recently has shown a tragic incident where a police officer veered into the path of a dirt bike rider during a police chase, causing the rider’s death. The incident took place on May 28, 2023, on the University Heights Bridge in Manhattan. Samuel Williams, 36, was riding an unregistered dirt bike when he entered the bridge heading toward the Bronx.
According to Source, the officer, who was pursuing a group of dirt bikers, veered across the double yellow line into oncoming traffic, colliding with Williams’ bike. The impact caused Williams to be thrown into the air, landing on the bridge. He later died from a serious leg injury at St. Barnabas Hospital the following day.
Williams had been riding recklessly, and was being pursued for his illegal activity. Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry stated that the officers involved were simply doing their job by trying to stop unregistered mopeds from being driven recklessly.
However, attorney Jamie Santana, who is representing Williams’ family, argued that a traffic summons and seizure of the bike would have sufficed for the violation. Instead, Santana claims the officer took an extreme action that resulted in Williams’ death.
The body camera footage, released by New York Attorney General Letitia James, shows the officer’s dangerous move across the yellow line, which led to the collision. Another officer in a separate vehicle is seen attempting a similar maneuver before Williams narrowly avoided it. The video also shows the officer, identified as Perez, attempting to strike a passing motorcyclist with an asp before approaching Williams after the crash.
Further footage, which was shown privately to Williams’ family, reveals a disturbing scene where police detained Williams while he was injured and handcuffed, placing him on the hood of a police car. He was reportedly begging to be laid on the ground to alleviate the pain from his severe leg injury. According to Williams’ lawyer, he remained in that painful position for an extended period before an ambulance arrived.
Adding to the family’s distress, they later received a bill from the city Comptroller’s office, claiming damages for the vehicle Perez had been driving. This bill, which totaled over $3,400, was sent to Williams’ mother two months after the incident. Comptroller Brad Lander expressed his outrage over the mistake and launched an internal review of the processes that led to the bill being sent without acknowledging Williams’ death.
Williams, a father to a 7-year-old girl, lived in the Soundview section of the Bronx and worked at a local convenience store. His sister, Sha-Sha Prince, spoke about the devastating impact of his death, especially on his daughter, who had a close relationship with her father. “It’s really hard for her to know her dad is not here,” Prince said, expressing the family’s grief over the loss and the lack of answers.
The NYPD’s pursuit of illegal dirt bikes and vehicles with fake license plates has been a controversial issue. Since the start of 2023, there have been seven fatalities and at least 315 injuries in New York related to police chases, according to the bicycle advocacy group, Transportation Alternatives.
The NYPD’s car chases have increased significantly during Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which has led to growing concerns about the dangers posed by high-speed pursuits. Despite criticism, NYPD officials argue that chasing criminals is sometimes necessary to maintain control of the streets. However, after receiving backlash, the NYPD introduced new policies requiring supervisors’ approval before starting a pursuit, taking into consideration public safety and the risk involved.
As the investigation into Williams’ death continues, his family is calling for justice, demanding criminal charges against Officer Perez and holding the NYPD accountable for their actions. While police argue that they were performing their duties in trying to stop reckless drivers, the tragic outcome of Williams’ death raises important questions about the tactics used in police pursuits and the potential dangers to innocent civilians.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.