Police: LI Man Kills Wife, Leads Cops On Chase That Ends In Fiery Crash In Brooklyn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A man fatally stabbed his wife at their Nassau County home then led police on a 25-mile chase that ended in a fiery crash at a Brooklyn gas station, authorities said Friday.
It all began around 12:40 a.m. Friday when police got a 911 call from a 12-year-old boy from inside his Seitz Drive home in Bethpage.
Police said when officers arrived, they found the boy's 41-year-old mother dead from multiple stab wounds in the bedroom. His 16-year-old sister was injured as well from what were described as defensive wounds to her hands, arms and ankle, police said. The boy was not hurt.
I heard a little bit of screaming and yelling, I thought somebody was fighting," one neighbor said.
That's when the woman's husband, identified as 44-year-old Robert Crumb, dodged police, escaping to his car, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.
"As officers approached the vehicle, the vehicle sped off at a high rate of speed," Nassau County Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun said. "That vehicle was again located by Nassau County police officers near Flatlands Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue in Brooklyn."
Police said the car plowed into a gas pump, bursting into flames. Video from the scene shows the back of the car as well as a tire catch fire after it hit the pump. The vehicle then slammed into the side of another car. The driver and passenger in the other vehicle were not injured.
Ben Williams, a security guard across the street, said the car "just went up in flames."
"As soon as it hit that pump on the end there, the car exploded and it hit another car that's behind it, it sideswiped that car," he told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck.
An officer is then seen running over to Crumb's car, drawing his gun when he reaches the passenger door. Police said Crumb jumped out of the passenger side of the car and charged at the cop, eventually tackling him to the ground. Three other officers then ran over and pull him off the officer.
"The police officers, amidst all of the flames, had to subdue this individual," LeBrun said.
Several police officers were hospitalized, including at least one for smoke inhalation and another for a wrist injury.
Police said Crumb was hospitalized with at least one self-inflicted stab wound.
What sparked the incident is still unclear.
"We'll interview family, friends and usually the family can shed some insight," LeBrun told WCBS 880's Sean Adams.
The victim was identified as Crumb's wife Maria, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported.
Neighbors in Bethpage were shocked to hear of her death.
"Everyone is very upset, shocked, that this could happen in our community," Elaine Kowas said.
"They both worked and they were always home with kids," Adam Smith said.
"I woke up and I saw all of this, and I couldn't believe it." Stephanie Kraszawski said. "So sad. I feel for those children."
Police said they were called to the home once before for a domestic dispute.
CBS2 was told relatives are making arrangements to raise the two children.
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