1 Killed, 6 Hurt After Parallel Parking Attempt In Chinatown Goes Awry
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Several pedestrians were struck by an out-of-control vehicle in Chinatown on Monday night, and now the driver is facing charges.
Police said the driver, 70-year-old Henry Herman, was trying to parallel park at the corners of Canal and Forsyth streets in Chinatown at around 6:45 p.m. when he lost control, jumped the sidewalk and mowed down a group of pedestrians.
According to police, seven people were hit by the minivan before it crashed into a pile of wooden crates.
One man, identified as 56-year-old Zhang Chun of Queens, died at the scene while several others were rushed to Bellevue Hospital, CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported.
"As he approached the parking spot the vehicle accelerated, striking several people on the sidewalk near a fruit stand," said NYPD Capt. Michael Gulinello. "Two were listed in critical condition, two were listed with severe serious and two were treated and refused further medical aid."
Ming Fong, who works nearby, said he walked by the fruit stand every day. It was always set up from noon until 7 p.m. He said when the weather is nice the sidewalk is packed with people.
"Lucky last night was raining. When no raining you get big trouble with this accident," Fong said.
Herman was arrested on several charges, including failure to yield to pedestrians and failure to exercise due care. Police said he did pass a Breathalyzer test.
The driver was also issued several summonses before he was released from custody late Monday night.
The charges could be upgraded pending discretion of the district attorney.
