Manhunt Continues Following Hit-And-Run Involving Investigator
MOUNT VERNON (CBSNewYork) - A manhunt for a potentially armed hit-and-run suspect prompted a lockout at several schools in Mount Vernon Friday afternoon.
Police sealed off an area of East Lincoln Avenue for hours while they searched for the driver who struck an investigator with the Westchester District Attorney's Narcotics Initiative, CBS 2's John Slattery reported.
"I heard it was a drug bust this morning and a cop got run over," said neighbor Lydia St. Rose.
The incident began when investigators for the Westchester County District Attorney wanted to question Mount Vernon resident Leroi Bouche, 27.
"He ran from them. He actually got into his vehicle. He refused to comply, rammed the car into the officer and another vehicle, jumping out of the car and fled on foot," said Mount Vernon Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Burke.
The incident happened behind the Oakwood Gardens Apartments on East Lincoln Avenue.
Police told Slattery Bouche was at the wheel of a silver Infiniti, which struck not only the investigator but a parked car in a rear lot.
Bouche previously served two years and four months for unlawful imprisonment.
"He did state prison time, he was acquitted of murder charges and he's known to be a violent individual," said Burke.
Mount Vernon and Westchester County police fanned out near the scene of the incident, resulting in a precautionary lockout at two nearby schools - Traphagen and Mount Vernon High School - for three hours.
The schools operated as normal within their buildings, but all doors and windows were secured. Outdoor activities were cancelled.
Police told Slattery they don't believe Bouche is still in Mount Vernon.
A broad search is underway in other communities.
The investigator was taken to Jacobi Medical Center and is expected to be OK.
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