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Driver in Times Square Crash Charged With Murder

May 19, 2017  •  Post A Comment

A Bronx man who allegedly drove his car into pedestrians at a high speed in Times Square Thursday, killing an 18-year-old Michigan tourist and injuring 22 people, has been charged with second-degree murder, USA Today reports.

Richard Rojas, 26, was also charged with 20 counts of attempted murder and aggravated vehicular homicide, according to the NYPD. He was due to be arraigned today.

Rojas’ motivation was unclear, but Mayor Bill de Blasio said there was “no indication that this was an act of terrorism.” Even so, de Blasio said Thursday that key locations around the city were being reinforced with NYPD anti-terror units.

Michigan teenager Alyssa Elsman was killed in the incident, with her 13-year-old sister among those injured.

“Officials said Rojas served in the Navy but was discharged following disciplinary problems,” USA Today reports. “He was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated in 2008 and 2015, losing his license for 90 days, police Commissioner James O’Neill said.”

Rojas reportedly ran from the car after it hit a barricade and was wrestled to the ground by police and bystanders. He reportedly later told police he was “hearing voices” and expected to die.

A video report on the incident by CBS New York can be seen by clicking here.

One Comment

  1. Bring back the Guillotine …

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