A car chase on Interstate 95 Northbound early Monday morning at speeds up to 130 mph resulted in a chain-reaction crash that sent 16 people in four different vehicles to local hospitals.
Just after 2:00am Monday, New York State Troopers from SP New Rochelle received an alert regarding an erratic vehicle that had fled from the NYPD’s 45th Precinct in the northeastern section of the Bronx and was believed to be traveling northbound on I-95. Troopers staged near Exit 17 (Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont) and observed two vehicles traveling at excessive speeds. They initiated a pursuit, losing sight of the lead vehicle and continuing after the second vehicle. The pursuit lasted approximately three minutes, covered five miles, and reached speeds up to 130 mph.
During the pursuit, a City of Rye Police Officer entered I-95 North to assist and attempted to slow traffic down north of Exit 19 (Rye Playland). As the officer began to slow traffic ahead of the pursuit, a chain-reaction crash occurred involving the fleeing vehicle and three other uninvolved vehicles. Troopers were not involved in the crash.
The fleeing vehicle, a 2002 Lexus GS300 bearing switched Connecticut license plates, struck multiple vehicles as it approached slowed traffic. The operator, a 15-year-old male, and four juvenile passengers were transported for evaluation of neck and back pain.
Three other vehicles were involved in the crash:
- A 2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, operated by Selenge Gankhuyag with one passenger. Both were transported to Westchester Medical Center.
- A 2022 BMW X5 operated by Sael M. Fernandez with three passengers, including a minor. All were transported to White Plains Hospital by Harrison EMS.
- A 2023 Toyota RAV4 operated by Sirajul Islam with four passengers, including three minors. All were transported to Westchester Medical Center.
All 16 individuals involved in the crash were evaluated and later released from the hospitals. The 15-year-old male driver of the 2002 Lexus GS300 was charged with 15 counts of Assault in the Third Degree; 3 counts of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree; Reckless Driving; Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle; and Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree.
Parents of all juveniles were notified and responded to the hospitals. The New York State Police say the investigation is ongoing.
