Parking Argument Flares into Stabbing, Car Rammed into Crowd
For the second time in less than a month, a parking-related incident might have been behind a New York City motor vehicle fatality. This time, a twenty-three-year-old Queens man has died after coming to the aid of two men who were stabbed in a fight.
The victim was among at least six people who were hit by a car that was reportedly driven onto the sidewalk after the stabbing. In a sad turn, the deceased man was a close friend of the driver.
Multiple Victims Hospitalized
NYPD officials said the incident began as a parking dispute outside a hookah bar in Richmond Hill. Around 4:30 on the morning of December 3, three men reportedly got into an argument at or near the corner of 129th Street and Liberty Avenue.
The fight might have been sparked by a bump as one driver was parallel parking. But things got out of hand quickly, with one man leaving his car and stabbing two others. It’s not clear whether those injuries were life-threatening.
That was not the end of it. Others on the scene chased the man who had allegedly done the stabbing, who hopped back into his car and drove off. He didn’t go far, but instead turned around and drove onto the sidewalk at full speed, apparently aiming for the men he’d stabbed.
He crashed into a crowd, killing one bystander and causing severe injuries, including a broken leg, a broken pelvis, and a head injury, to others. One victim was reportedly in critical condition.
Aggression Caught on Video
The toll from this reckless and aggressive behavior could have been even worse: Video from the scene (which did not capture the crash) shows the car speeding down the sidewalk, followed by a second vehicle—reported to be witnesses pursuing the first driver.
His Own Friend
It’s come to light that the driver was friends with the victim and they had driven there together. He claims that he does not remember what happened that night because he had been drinking heavily. He’s been held without bail on serious charges, including murder, assault, and reckless endangerment.
Pedestrians Unwitting Targets
Accidents involving pedestrians are an unfortunate fact of life in New York City. In 2016, a total of 148 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles.
This year has seen a number of headline-grabbing incidents, including a May crash into a crowd in Times Square that killed one and injured twenty-two and a deliberate ramming attack near the World Trade Center in October that left eight dead and twelve injured.
NYC Car Accident Lawyer
When you’ve been the victim of any kind of crash involving a motor vehicle, whether you were another driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, you may want to speak with an experienced car accident attorney for help with your case.
Call Greenstein & Milbauer, LLP today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your unique case. You can reach us by calling 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or filling out the form below.