Man found sleeping in stolen car in Queens flees police, crashes into police cruiser on Long Island
ISLAND PARK, Long Island (WABC) -- Authorities say a man found sleeping in a stolen car by police in Queens tried to flee the scene, crashed into several cars -- including a police car -- along the way, and was eventually apprehended in Long Island.
Police said they found the man passed out behind the wheel of the stolen car around 9:55 a.m. Wednesday near 153th Street and Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica.
When they tried to place him into custody, a struggle ensued, and he fled.
Police pursued the man, and once he reached Long Island, Nassau County police picked up to the pursuit.
And from there, the scene resembled a demolition derby.
Authorities say he ended up on Industrial Avenue in Island Park, crashing into at least 15 parked cars plus the cruiser.
Erick Schmid was working underneath a car at the time and feared for his life.
"I couldn't see anything, but I heard everything," he said. "That's what made it so scary, you know?"
Police were able to surround the car and take the driver into custody.
"They had their guns drawn," witness James Hangley said. "I can't believe they didn't shoot this guy."
Hangley owns a business nearby and said he has three cars that were damaged - one of them was totaled.
According to witnesses, police had to use a Taser on the driver to get him to stop. He's now being treated at Nassau University Medical Center.
Patrick Hayes, 49, of Uniondale, is now charged with unlawful fleeing, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, five counts of reckless endangerment, assault, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, 12 counts of criminal mischief, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and several moving violations.
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