Chase from Queens to Long Island Ends with Crashes and Suspect Shot Dead

A police pursuit that began in Queens culminated in a tragic incident on Long Island, involving multiple crashes and a fatal shooting. The series of events resulted in eight individuals—four of whom were police officers—requiring hospitalization.

According to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, five officers from Nassau County, two from the New York Police Department (NYPD), and a civilian sustained injuries during the ordeal.

At a press conference, Ryder detailed how the driver attempted to strike two NYPD officers as he fled from police. The pursuit initiated around 11 p.m. on Friday night when the driver was first spotted by NYPD officers in Queens. As he drove into Nassau County, officers attempted to intercept him near Merrick Avenue and Sunrise Highway.

The situation escalated when the driver collided with two police vehicles. Ryder reported that the NYPD had broadcast alerts about the ongoing chase as it transitioned into Nassau County. “We engaged with that vehicle somewhere in the area of Merrick on Sunrise Highway,” Ryder explained. “At that time, the officers had boxed in the individual. The individual decided he was not going to stop. He ran through, took off two of our police cars; two of our officers attempted to evade being struck and dove out of the way. The vehicle sped off again.”

The reckless driving didn’t stop there. After ramming into a third police car, the driver proceeded to travel the wrong way on Sunrise Highway, colliding with another vehicle, which resulted in sending a civilian to the hospital.

Ultimately, the driver lost control near Hicksville Road and Sunrise Highway. “Officers exited their vehicles to take control and arrest the individual,” Ryder said. “The individual did not comply, there was a shooting that occurred, and that individual died.”

Eyewitness Sal Ienna from Massapequa Park recounted hearing the incident unfold while conversing with officers outside his home. “Five minutes later we heard like 10, 12 gunshots, rapid fire, one after the other,” Ienna stated.

This violent outcome has raised questions about police pursuits and safety measures during such high-stakes situations. The injuries sustained by officers and the civilian underscore the peril of these encounters, as they put lives at risk on both sides.

The investigation is ongoing, with local authorities examining the details surrounding the chase and the subsequent shooting. The community is left grappling with the ramifications of this tragedy, reflecting on the dangers inherent in police pursuits that can escalate quickly and unpredictably.

As the situation develops, officials are expected to provide further information regarding the status of the injured and the circumstances surrounding this violent confrontation.