Cyclist struck by vehicle fleeing from police in Astoria; 1 person in custody
ASTORIA, Queens (WABC) -- A cyclist remains in critical condition after being struck during a police chase in Queens on Wednesday, according to authorities.
Police sources told Eyewitness News that officers attempted to pull over a car in the area of 35th Avenue and 29th Street in Astoria because the plates did not match the vehicle.
The vehicle then took off, striking a 39-year-old male cyclist, while fleeing from officers.
Witness Julia Marotta says the police pursuit seemed dangerous on such crowded streets with so many pedestrians.
"I think cops shouldn't be running and chasing cars, risking killing kids and people that walk in the streets," Marotta said. "I think that is kind of irresponsible to do."
The victim was conscious at the scene and is expected to survive, according to police sources.
He was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst in critical condition.
Meanwhile, police took one person into custody.
Police say 46-year-old Harold Vega was driving a 2003 gray Nissan Altima, with license plates that did not match the vehicle, when police attempted to pull him over.
He declined to stop, and continued north through Astoria, Queens
Vega was westbound on 31st Avenue, approaching Crescent Street, when he blew through a red light and swerved into the bike lanes, striking the 39-year-old bicyclist, who was riding southbound on Crescent Street.
He then fled the scene, and police followed him, catching up with him several blocks away at 24th Drive and 23rd Street, where he crashed into a parked car.
Vaga sustained a minor injury to the head from the two collisions and was being treated at Elmhurst Hospital.
He is charged with reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident with injury, fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, reckless driving, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and driving without a license.
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