NYPD officer injured after drag racing chaos in Gerritsen Beach, police say
The NYPD says officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting drag racing, reckless driving, donut spins and fireworks just after 3 a.m. near the intersection of Knapp Street and Avenue W.
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An NYPD officer was hospitalized after a chaotic drag racing incident unfolded early Saturday morning in Gerritsen Beach, according to police.
The NYPD says officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting drag racing, reckless driving, donut spins and fireworks just after 3 a.m. near the intersection of Knapp Street and Avenue W.
Witnesses described the scene as something out of a movie.
“Rruuur! Like somebody hit the pedal and then never go away — like watching a movie of racing cars. They drive they try to do a spectacular take the attention of everybody,” said witness Raul.
According to investigators, one of the vehicles involved rear-ended a marked NYPD patrol car. Police say the driver then got out of the vehicle, slashed a police tire with a sharp object, climbed onto the hood and smashed the passenger-side window before fleeing the scene.
The suspect remains at large.
By Saturday morning, a damaged vehicle, scattered car parts and tire marks could still be seen across the roadway. Neighbors say dangerous driving has become a frequent problem in the area.
“They're always constantly drag racing up and down that street. And Gerritsen Avenue, which is parallel at all times of the day and night. I feel unsafe,” said neighbor Gail Katz.
Other residents say they were disturbed not only by the crash, but by the apparent disregard for police and public safety.
“They have no respect for the law and no respect for the police. They go flying down to make the second light — put the pedal to the metal and don't give a care what the speed limit is,” said neighbor Carol.
One officer was transported to a local hospital in stable condition and is expected to recover. Still, neighbors say the fact that the driver has not been caught is unsettling.
“It has become very unsafe, overall to go outside, you know, to for the kids to go along. Walking the dog. It is it is unsafe,” said neighbor Olga.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify and locate the suspect.
