At least two people were killed and seven injured after a driver crashed into a Manhattan park during Independence Day celebrations Thursday night, authorities said.
According to the New York Police Department, the incident happened on the Lower East Side just before 9 p.m.
NYPD Commissioner Jeffrey Madeley said at a press conference Thursday that the driver of a Ford F-150 pickup truck was traveling at a high rate of speed and ran a stop sign at the intersection.
The suspect’s gray pickup truck then drove onto the sidewalk and struck people attending Independence Day celebrations, Madeley said.
Police say suspect charged after attacking woman sunbathing in Central Park
New York City Police Department sign. (New York City Police Department)
According to police, emergency personnel responded to the scene and found a truck containing four victims.
Authorities said nine people were attacked, with at least two killed.
Police say illegal immigrants are behind the rape of Morin and the assault and murder of a 9-year-old girl.
Madley said they are still determining the ages of the victims but believe at least two children were taken to the hospital.
Police said officers who responded to the scene smelled alcohol, but testing was ongoing.
The New York Police Department said a driver plowed his car into a group of people celebrating Independence Day. (iStock)
Police said they do not believe this is a terrorism-related incident.
Click here to get the FOX News app
in Post to XThe NYPD asked people to avoid the area of Water Street and Jackson Street as the incident was investigated.
