May 18, 2017 in New York history

πŸ“ On This Day πŸ“

7 years ago on May 18th, 2017

A man high on PCP drives a car into pedestrians in Times Square, killing one and injuring 20

Just before noon, Richard Rojas intentionally drove onto the sidewalk at 42nd Street and drove north on the Seventh Avenue sidewalk until hitting protective bollards at 45th Street. Rojas was subdued by a ticket agent and a Planet Hollywood employee as police took him into custody. With a history of crime, incarceration, and driving while intoxicated, Rojas tested positive for PCP and was ranting incoherently when taken into custody, seemingly claiming that he intended die at the hands of the police after committing the attack. The one person killed was recent high school graduate Alyssa Elsman from Portage, Michigan who was sightseeing in the city with family members. In the wake of the attack, Rojas has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder and multiple lawsuits have been filed between the victims, Rojas, and the city. Rojas is expected to attempt an insanity defense.


References:

⏰ AGBC Rewind ⏰

8 years ago
Evening Update for Wednesday, May 18, 2016

7 years ago
Car Strikes Pedestrians in Times Square


🌎 World History 🌏

Library of Congress  •  New York Times  •  BBC  •  Wikipedia


🌞 Weather Records 🌞

Record High: 92Β°F in 2017
Record Low: 41Β°F in 1973


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