Seven Injured, One Seriously, In Brooklyn Crash After Police Pursuit
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Authorities are investigating a crash that occurred in Brooklyn's East Flatbush section Monday afternoon.
Police sources say a vehicle hit an unmarked police car at Farragut Road and East 49th Street. The striking vehicle then took off with police in pursuit.
The striking vehicle lost control and hit seven vehicles and one pedestrian at Farragut Road and Albany Avenue.
Driver Rochefort Desir believes his truck stopped the suspect's vehicle from crashing into the row of stores at 42nd and Farragut.
"I just get out of the car and I hear boom, boom, boom," he said.
Surveillance video obtained by CBS2 from a nearby deli shows Desir's truck making a right turn as the fleeing vehicle hits him from behind.
His sports utility vehicle strikes a school bus as the suspect's vehicle continues out of control until it crashes into three more vehicles in a parking lot at the corner.
Witnesses say the suspect attempted to flee his vehicle on foot and was quickly apprehended.
Officials tell CBS2 that seven people were injured. All seven were transported to Kings County Hospital Center.
Six of the injuries are considered to be minor. The pedestrian, who remains unidentified, was more seriously hurt but is expected to make a full recovery.
Some of the victims are thankful that the situation ended the way it did.
"Thank God there were no kids," said Rudy Hyacinth. "It could have been much worse."
CBS2's Tony Aiello reported that the accident happened in front of P.S. 198. The school bus struck by Desir's sport-utility vehicle was parked after completing its runs for the day.
