Kyle Fernandez, accused of hitting 10 people on East Side, facing slew of charges
NEW YORK -- Numerous charges have been filed against 20-year-old Kyle Fernandez. He is the driver accused of hitting 10 people while in a stolen car on Manhattan's East Side on Tuesday evening.
Police said Fernandez was behind the wheel during a wild police chase in Midtown, resulting in the following charges:
- Reckless endangerment
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Fleeing from an officer
- Possession of stolen property
- Resisting arrest
- Obstruction of governmental administration
- Driving a vehicle impaired by drugs
- No license
- Failure to obey a police officer
- Driving on the sidewalk
Police sources told CBS New York that Fernandez has multiple prior arrests and one open case in Manhattan. He was arrested on Jan. 16, charged with robbery, assault, and criminal mischief. That case is still pending. He also has prior gun possession- and drug possession-related arrests.
"When you catch them and release them, what do you expect? There are no repercussions. These guys think this is a free-for-all," said Shashi Sharma, who works near the scene of the chaos.
Police said they are still seeking the suspect's female passenger, who fled the scene on foot. CBS New York has also learned the car he was allegedly driving was reported stolen on Monday in the Bronx.
The accused thought he could get away, but a group of good Samaritans tackled him. Images show the 20-year-old on the ground. Witnesses said it was a chaotic scene.
"I see the red car. The police behind. He speed pass the bus and hit the yellow cab," Carlos Cabrera said. "And from the yellow cab he hit him. He got on the sidewalk and hit the people who was on the street."
"Like a really big bang. I saw the people, big crowd running, everybody running," Delfina Robles said, describing the scene. "They did the right thing ... you know? He was trying to escape."
"We all are New Yorkers. You can't just hide your head in the sand and have someone get hurt or killed. You have to take action," Sharma added.
READ MORE: NYPD: Driver hits 10 people while fleeing police on East Side, suspect in custody
Chopper 2 flew over 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue and showed the aftermath. Investigators said the mayhem started with a reportedly stolen 2018 maroon Hyundai Tucson, adding a license plate reader spotted the car at 45th and Second Avenue at around 5:30 p.m. Police said they attempted to stop the car but seconds later it took off, making its way to Lexington and hitting a bicyclist and a yellow cab at the corner of 42nd.
Police said several people were hit on the sidewalk, but the driver of the stolen car wasn't done. Investigators told CBS New York the car then jumped the curb and hit several people before making a U-turn within the intersection.
Among the injured was a 6-year-old, but officials said none of them suffered life-threatening injuries.
"The most severe being an ankle fracture to a young lady and the others were just minor abrasions and neck and back pain," FDNY Deputy Chief Mario Tompkins said.
Police said they don't believe the matter was terrorism-related, adding the investigation is ongoing.
