A dramatic police chase that began in Queens ended with a fatal shooting on Long Island, leading to four crashes and multiple injuries. The incident involved eight people being hospitalized, including five officers from the Nassau County Police Department and two from the NYPD. Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder detailed the events, highlighting the reckless behavior of the driver during the pursuit.
The chase started around 11 p.m. on Friday when NYPD officers attempted to stop a vehicle in Queens. The suspect fled into Nassau County, where police tried to intercept him near Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway. Ryder reported that the driver attempted to ram two NYPD officers while evading capture, showcasing a dangerous disregard for the safety of others.
As the pursuit unfolded, the driver collided with two police cars, prompting a notification to surrounding law enforcement about the ongoing chase. Officers managed to box in the suspect’s vehicle, but he continued to resist arrest, crashing into a third police car. His reckless driving escalated further as he went the wrong way on Sunrise Highway, resulting in a collision that sent a civilian to the hospital.
The situation reached a critical juncture when the driver lost control near Hicksville Road. Officers approached to apprehend him, but he did not comply with their orders. This confrontation led to gunfire, culminating in the driver’s death. The rapid escalation from a routine stop to a shooting shocked the community and raised concerns about police pursuits.
Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic scene, with one resident recalling hearing a barrage of gunshots shortly after the police engagement. The incident has left the community in shock, highlighting the dangers associated with high-speed chases and the potential consequences for both law enforcement and civilians.