JACKSON HEIGHTS, Queens (PIX11) -- Police are searching for the driver who struck and injured multiple people crossing an intersection in Jackson Heights early Sunday morning.
"It's pretty scary," said Silvy, an area resident.
According to authorities, this was not a police chase, and the suspect was driving out of control and at a high-speed rate after evading a traffic stop nearby.
Security cameras captured when the driver of a white BMW plowed into a group of pedestrians at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 80th Street.
People rushed to aid those who were hit. Police say a 23-year-old male and a 28-year-old female were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.
“Certainly, glad it didn’t happen during the daytime, I hope those two people in the hospital recover quickly,” stated Maria Grieco who has lived in this section of Jackson Heights for decades.
The driver and a passenger quickly got out of the vehicle and ran away. According to authorities, the passenger was taken into custody but the driver remains at large.
“Have some respect, it is basic human dignity, stop and take responsibility. Check to see if they are ok. What’s happening to people?” said Carlos.
The car came to a stop after slamming into an FDNY 911 call box.
“If that hadn’t been there, it would have been a disaster for the restaurant, we would have to close today and who knows how much longer. Especially now in the busy season,” stated Dudley Stewart, one of the owners of The Queensboro restaurant located right on this corner.
