Police Chase Ends In Multi-Car Crash In Newburgh, N.Y.
NEWBURGH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Several people have been hospitalized Thursday from a four vehicle crash after a police pursuit in the town of Newburgh.
It all started at around 10:54 a.m. with when New York State Police tried to stop a black Chevy Tahoe on Route 87 near the Newburgh tolls.
The vehicle drove off, leading police on a chase for about 10 minutes before the vehicle crashed at State Route 17K near Route 300. The vehicle crashed into another Chevy Tahoe and two other vehicles, police said.
"Very, very loud, not like a fender bender. It was a very loud noise," said diner owner Theo Algiropolous. He ran outside and saw several state troopers yelling at the four occupants of the black SUV.
"Guns drawn, aiming on the black car, telling everybody put your hands where I can see them," Algiropolous said.
State police say there was a law enforcement alert out for the black SUV connected to a "multijurisdictional felony investigation."
A witness says at one point the SUV crossed a lane and was headed right towards him.
"I just... my heart fluttered. I didn't know what it was. I thought they were cops," said witness John Thompson.
State police say troopers were some distance behind the SUV. Investigators will determine if the high speed pursuit protocol was followed.
"If that was a chase, I'm very upset. It shouldn't end on this. It's gotta be a better way," Algiropolous said.
Four people in the suspect vehicle were injured. Three of them were taken to St. Luke's Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The fourth was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center with serious injuries, according to State Police.
