21-Year-Old Man Critically Hurt In Queens Hit-And-Run; Police Say Driver Ran Red Light
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man was in critical condition Thursday after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Queens.
Police said the 21-year-old victim suffered serious head trauma and is fighting for his life in a hospital, CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported.
The incident happened shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday near Astoria Boulevard and 98th Street in East Elmhurst.
Surveillance video shows three men crossing when, according to police, a silver SUV suddenly sped through a red light.
Two men got out of the way in the nick of time -- one stepped forward, one jumped back. But the man in the middle was struck.
Witnesses were still visibly shaken Thursday morning, Duddridge reported.
"Some car hit the guy, and the guy like flipped in the street, all the way to the bus stop," Algabyali Ali said. "I feel so bad. This accident is so bad, and the guy, he has a family. Maybe he's got kids."
Ali, who manages a deli near the intersection, called 911. He and several witnesses tried to help the man, but he was unresponsive. He was rushed to the hospital.
Witnesses also chased after the SUV that didn't stop. One took cellphone video of what they said was the vehicle turning the corner.
"The problem, the guy, he drive. He hit the human, he hit the man in the street. Maybe he's gonna lose his life, and he run away. Why you run?" Ali said.
Patricia Suero, a crossing guard, said she feels like she's saving lives whenever she helps people cross the street.
"We have too many accidents over here in the community.... The cars always coming faster, and they don't stop," Suero said.
Residents want the city to do something to slow traffic down at the intersection.
"I always use caution. Even when I get the light, I look left and right. I don't care," said Patrick Barrow.
"If you stand out there, you'll see the people just coming down, and the lights aren't synchronized. So one light's red, while one is green. It's madness here," Anthony Maxwell said.
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the silver SUV to contact them.
Bronx Hit-And-Run
The NYPD is also looking for a driver in a hit-and-run in the Bronx.
Chopper 2 was over the scene at East 156th Street and Brook Avenue at around 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
According to police, a man was riding an e-bike when he was hit.
The victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital in critical condition.
