Driver flees traffic stop in the Bronx, causing major crash that critically injures a man.
A significant incident occurred on Friday night in the Bronx, where a high-speed chase involving a suspected unlicensed driver resulted in a devastating crash that left multiple individuals injured and one man in critical condition. The event unfolded around 9:45 p.m. at the intersection of Bruckner Boulevard and Hunts Point Avenue, capturing the attention of local law enforcement and the community alike.
The accident involved a 28-year-old man identified as Charles Jenkins, who was operating a 2004 Honda Civic. Jenkins had been stopped by New York police officers for a traffic violation, specifically for failure to use his headlights. As officers approached his vehicle, Jenkins accelerated suddenly, fleeing eastbound on Hunts Point Avenue and running a red light in the process.
In a dangerous sequence of events, Jenkins collided with a 2017 Mercedes-Benz driven by a 20-year-old man, who was traveling south on Bruckner Boulevard. The impact sent both vehicles careening out of control onto the sidewalk, where they struck three pedestrians: a 31-year-old woman and two men aged 33 and 40. The Mercedes-Benz also collided with a parked vehicle before the Honda Civic continued its perilous trajectory, eventually striking a Chevrolet Equinox operated by a 60-year-old man. Fortunately, the driver of the Equinox was unharmed.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded swiftly, transporting all injured parties, including the passengers of the Mercedes-Benz, to BronxCare Hospital. Unfortunately, the 33-year-old man who was injured remains in critical condition, while other victims are expected to recover.
Charles Jenkins was later apprehended after fleeing the scene on foot. He faces multiple charges including three counts of vehicular assault, driving without a license, unlawful fleeing of police, reckless endangerment, and disobeying traffic signals. His arraignment is anticipated to take place in Bronx Criminal Court.
This incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny over police pursuits in New York City, particularly following the implementation of new NYPD guidelines on February 1, which restrict high-speed chases to circumstances involving felonies or violent misdemeanors. These guidelines were introduced after growing concerns about the dangers associated with police chases, which frequently lead to injuries and fatalities among innocent bystanders.
As investigations continue, it remains unclear whether police were actively pursuing Jenkins at the time of the collision. This incident raises critical questions about public safety and the protocols governing police interactions with fleeing suspects. The community awaits further updates as the legal proceedings unfold.
