A driver in a stolen commercial truck led police on a pursuit on Staten Island Thursday evening, crashing into nearly 30 vehicles, including three NYPD cruisers, before the pursuit came to an end, police officials tell NBC New York.
Multiple officers were hurt in the chase, but all were treated at the hospital for what the NYPD says is minor injuries.
The pursuit started around 7:30 p.m. at Bishop and Cranford and ended six miles away at Beach and Van Duzer, the source said. Multiple cars were struck by the truck, and several were piled on top of each other.
"It was just a loud crashing noise," said a witness, Shaw-Nae Dixon.
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The NYPD tells NBC New York that New Jersey police notified them to be on the lookout for a man in the stolen truck. Police said the suspect was wanted for a crime spree.
"We attempted to stop him," NYPD Assistant Chief Joseph Golotta said. "He put his vehicle in reverse and struck one of our police cars. As he tried to drive away, he dragged one of our police cars 30 to 40 feet before it detached."
Police later identified the driver as 48-year-old Michael Rompa and said he is facing six charges, including assault, reckless endangerment, and fleeing an officer, with more potential charges pending.
