Police: 1 Dead, 2 Injured After Car Mounts Curb, Hits Pedestrians In Laurelton, Queens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – One person is dead and two others are in critical condition after a vehicle mounted the curb, striking the pedestrians, police said.
Authorities say it happened around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Merrick Boulevard and 225th Street.
When police got to the scene, they found a male victim deceased, pinned under a vehicle, with head and torso trauma.
A second victim, a 19-year-old female, had back and neck injuries, police said.
The third victim, a 21-year-old female, sustained head and leg injuries.
One witness described one of the women as pregnant.
Police say a 20-year-old male was driving a 2012 Nissan Altima northbound on 225th Street when he "mounted the curb" and struck all three victims.
CBS2's Dave Carlin was at the scene Saturday night where police said they are still figuring out if the driver knew the victims and acted deliberately.
Witnesses told CBS2 it looked as if he was angry and trying to run them down.
The incident happened right in front of a banquet hall where a baby shower was taking place, Carlin reported.
"The fight started outside," one witness named Mark said. "That's how we hear the commotion, we come outside to break up the fight."
"The driver went up on the sidewalk," he added. "I actually see the people get run over."
Witnesses say an angry mob pulled the driver from the vehicle, but he managed to run away.
Police caught up with him and made the arrest.
Bystanders said their main concern was for the victims.
"I just can't believe it. It is just a sad thing to happen," another witness said.
The investigation is ongoing.
The accident comes a day after Mayor de Blasio's "Vision Zero" plan went into effect.
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