CBS New York — One person is dead and 22 people are injured after being struck by a car in Times Square shortly before noon Thursday. An 18-year-old woman was killed and 22 people were injured – including the victim’s 13-year-old sister – after being struck by a red Honda Accord before it came to a stop by crashing into steel barriers at 45th and 7th Avenue, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
Four of victims are in critical condition. The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Richard Rojas of the Bronx. Rojas has previously been arrested twice for DWI. Authorities said that preliminary information showed no terror connection. “This is not an act of terror,” de Blasio said. Rojas is in custody and is being tested for drugs and alcohol. He is a US citizen and a former member of the US Navy, de Blasio said.
The incident began at 11:54 a.m. as Rojas was driving southbound on Seventh Avenue through Times Square, police said.
“As he approaches 42nd Street, he makes a quick U-turn on to the west sidestreet, the sidewalk on Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street,” said NYPD Chief Of Manhattan Detectives William Aubry. “He proceeds on west side sidewalk for 3 and half blocks, where he hits a stanchion.”
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