On Friday evening, a tragic incident unfolded on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, resulting in the deaths of two pedestrians and injuries to several others, as reported by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
The accident occurred around 6 p.m. at the intersection of West 109th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, a bustling area known for its residential buildings, eateries, and proximity to Columbia University.
According to investigators, Elvin Suarez, a 61-year-old man, was driving a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV northbound on Amsterdam Avenue. He collided with a parked Volkswagen Jetta before accelerating down West 109th Street, crossing over a pedestrian island and hitting four people.
The Mercedes-Benz then continued on, crashing into a parked Chevrolet Astro van occupied by a 51-year-old man.
The force of the collision pushed the van into a number of other parked vehicles, including a Honda CR-V and a Toyota Sienna.
In the aftermath, emergency responders transported Suarez, the van’s occupants, and four pedestrians to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital.
Sadly, two pedestrians—Jason Negron, 46, and Michael Saint-Hilaire, 35—were pronounced dead shortly after arrival, according to police.
The passengers in the van, along with another two pedestrians aged 44 and 36, are reportedly in stable condition.
Following the incident, police arrested Suarez, charging him with multiple counts including manslaughter and DUI.
Details surrounding the crash—including whether speed played a role—haven’t yet been clarified by authorities. The NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Unit is currently working on the case.
As a part of the investigation, authorities closed a section of Amsterdam Avenue while they examined the site and worked on removing the damaged vehicles.
It’s not clear whether Suarez has secured legal representation at this time.
