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UPDATE: Police Investigating 'Disoriented' Traffic Cop Who Turned Street Into Demolition Derby
By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Apr 1, 2019
Modified Apr 1, 2019
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By
Jake Offenhartz
Published Apr 1, 2019
Modified Apr 1, 2019
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A lead-footed traffic cop has been caught on video ramming an NYPD cruiser into two parked cars in Queens, in an apparently misguided—and wildly reckless!—attempt to clear the road of traffic.
Footage of the incident, which includes both security camera and bystander video, was posted to YouTube on Saturday, and was purportedly taken earlier in the day. It shows the driver of a police vehicle sandwiched between two cars. Moments later, the driver accelerates into the parked car ahead, which is apparently occupied, before reversing into the car behind him.
As the driver of the first car begins to pull over to the curb, the police cruiser accelerates, barreling into the back fender of the vehicle. The impact fully spins the car, which is quickly plowed out of frame by the police vehicle. The video shows frightened pedestrians fleeing the scene, as others whip out their phones.
We've reached out to the NYPD about what is going on here, and we're informed that they are drafting a statement. A spokesperson for the department would not elaborate beyond that.
We don't know much else about the video at this point — aside from the fact that this seems likes a pretty terrible traffic-clearing strategy, even by the NYPD’s standards — but we'll update as we learn more.
UPDATE: A spokesperson for the NYPD confirmed that an internal investigation has been launched into the incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon near the intersection of 37th Avenue and Main Street.
In a statement, police spokesperson Jessica McRorie said that "a Traffic Supervisor was operating a marked traffic enforcement vehicle when the vehicle did strike several vehicles. A patrol supervisor responded to the scene and conducted an investigation. The driver of the vehicle appeared disorientated and was transported by EMS to an area hospital for further medical evaluation. The incident remains under internal review."
Tagged
congestion crashing
nypd
queens
traffic cop
Jake Offenhartz
Jake Offenhartz is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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