JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY – A high-speed police chase in Queens early Thursday morning left two pedestrians hospitalized after a driver in a white BMW fled from officers attempting a traffic stop. The chaotic scene unfolded at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 80th Street, with the suspect still at large.
Authorities reported that the incident began around 2 a.m. in Astoria when officers tried to pull over the vehicle for a routine traffic violation. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated, leading police on a pursuit that extended into Jackson Heights.
During the chase, the BMW mounted the curb, striking a man and a woman. Both victims were quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where they are recovering in stable condition. The pursuit ended when the driver abandoned the vehicle, leaving police to search for the suspect on foot.
While the driver remains at large, investigators have taken the passenger of the BMW into custody. Police have not disclosed any details about the passenger’s involvement or potential charges.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents who witnessed the chaotic chase. “It’s terrifying to think that something like this could happen in our neighborhood,” said one bystander, who asked to remain anonymous.
As investigators continue their search for the suspect, they are urging anyone with information about the driver’s whereabouts to come forward. The abandoned BMW has been impounded as evidence, and police are examining it for clues that might lead to the suspect’s apprehension.
This incident highlights the inherent dangers of high-speed chases in densely populated urban areas. Police emphasized the importance of balancing public safety with the need to apprehend suspects fleeing from law enforcement.
The situation remains under investigation, and authorities are working diligently to bring the driver to justice while ensuring the safety of the community.