A man wanted for drug-related offenses stole a car and struck a 44-year-old cyclist during a police pursuit in Greenwich Village on Wednesday afternoon. The incident unfolded just after 3 p.m., when the suspect, who had been selling narcotics, managed to steal a black Ford Fusion and sped off as police zeroed in on him. The cyclist was riding in the bike lane on West 3rd Street near Mercer Street when the driver hit him, sending the cyclist flying into the air and crashing onto the pavement.
Witnesses described the scene in shock, saying the cyclist did not move after the impact. Ariadne Chan-Miller, a 17-year-old who witnessed the event, recalled, “A cyclist was going the right way down the street, and then the car hit him. There were cops behind it, and the cyclist flew up into the air and then fell. The car didn’t stop; it kept going.”
The NYPD quickly responded, blocking the area as medics attended to the injured cyclist. He was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, where he is reported to be in stable condition, though he sustained head and leg injuries.
The driver continued to flee, running a red light near the intersection of Mercer Street and Bleecker Street, where he collided with an Uber. “It was going fast, and half of its windshield was knocked in,” said Ron Miller, Ariadne’s father, who immediately dialed 911. “The driver just kept going after that.”
The chase escalated as the driver eventually ditched the damaged sedan several blocks away on Prince Street near West Broadway before fleeing on foot. As of Wednesday night, the suspect was still on the run, prompting a manhunt across the city.
This incident adds to a troubling trend of police chases in New York City, which have surged this year, averaging over one car crash per day, according to local news outlet THE CITY. The department’s pursuit tactics have come under scrutiny amid increasing public safety concerns during these high-speed chases.
This reckless behavior underscores the dangers posed by criminal activities in the city, especially when such suspects, evading arrest, risk the lives of innocent civilians like the injured cyclist. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. The NYPD is reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness statements to aid in the search.
This incident is part of a broader conversation on public safety and the need for reforms in police pursuit policies to balance apprehending suspects without endangering 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.