A suspected intoxicated motorist tragically claimed the lives of two pedestrians and left several others injured in a horrific multi-vehicle collision on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, as reported by the New York Police Department (NYPD) to Fox News Digital.
The incident unfolded around 6 p.m. close to the intersection of West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, an area bustling with residential complexes, eateries, and the vicinity of Columbia University.
Authorities revealed that 61-year-old Elvin Suarez was behind the wheel of a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV traveling north on Amsterdam Avenue. Allegedly, Suarez first collided with a stationary Volkswagen Jetta positioned south of the intersection before careening through West 109th Street. The vehicle then mounted a pedestrian island, striking four individuals.
The police noted that the Mercedes-Benz continued its destructive path, plowing through the intersection and finally crashing into a parked Chevrolet Astro van, which was occupied by a 51-year-old man.
Two fatalities and three injuries resulted from the incident involving a suspected drunk driver who veered onto the sidewalk, hitting pedestrians near Amsterdam Avenue and West 109th Street in Manhattan on Friday. The driver was taken into custody after the crash. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu)
The impact pushed the van into several additional parked vehicles, including a Honda CR-V, Toyota Sienna, Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Altima, authorities said.
Emergency responders transported Suarez, the van occupant and the four pedestrians to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital following the crash.
Two pedestrians — Jason Negron, 46, and Michael Saint-Hilaire, 35, both of Manhattan — were pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.
Police stand at the scene of after two people were killed and three others injured when a suspected drunk driver struck pedestrians on Manhattan’s Upper West Side near Amsterdam Avenue and West 109th Street on Friday. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu)
Suarez, the van occupant and two additional pedestrians, ages 44 and 36, were listed in stable condition.
Police said Suarez was arrested and charged with two counts of manslaughter, three counts of vehicular manslaughter, two counts of vehicular assault and driving while intoxicated.
Authorities have not released additional details about what may have led up to the crash or whether investigators believe speed was also a factor.
The NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is continuing to investigate the deadly collision.
Two people were killed and three others injured after a suspected drunk driver struck pedestrians on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Friday, the NYPD says. (Kyle Mazza/Anadolu)
Part of Amsterdam Avenue was shut down Friday evening as investigators examined the scene and crews worked to remove damaged vehicles from the roadway.
Authorities have not said whether Suarez has retained an attorney.