NYPD officers shoot at group of suspects allegedly stealing cars at dealership in Flushing
FLUSHING, Queens (WABC) -- A chaotic scene unfolded in Queens on Friday morning as police fired shots at a group of suspects allegedly breaking into cars at an auto dealership.
Authorities described what happened around 6 a.m. Friday in Flushing as a scene out of "Fast and Furious" -- from driving on sidewalks to crashing into themselves, leaving a mess behind.
The NYPD said 10 suspects were breaking into cars at the dealership.
Surveillance video showed several cars converge at the intersection of Farrington Street and 32nd Avenue. An NYPD car can be seen making a U-turn and following them.
Video also shows what appear to be a Porsche slowing down at the same intersection while being followed by cops.
That Porsche now has a bullet hole and a shattered window.
Authorities say one of the suspects drove toward an officer, prompting him to fire his gun. According to police, the cars were stolen from an autobody shop at 33rd Avenue and Prince Street.
One officer suffered tinnitus, and police are checking local hospitals to see if there were any suspects hit by the gunfire.
Police say four of the five cars have been recovered and at least two people have been taken into custody.
Just last month the Queens District Attorney's office announced the indictment of 20 people in connection to a vehicle theft ring based in Queens.
According to NYPD numbers, there have been 68 car thefts in the borough so far this year -- the second highest in the city.
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
