According to authorities, the incident occurred around 10:40 am on 53rd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues, where the tow truck driver was attempting to tow the man’s vehicle.In a fit of anger, the man confronted the tow truck driver, and after a physical altercation, stole the tow truck. With his own vehicle still hitched to it, the enraged man drove recklessly, striking several cars before crashing head-on into a city bus.
Police report that the man blocked the service doors of the industrial loading zone with his truck, creating chaos.
The man eventually abandoned the tow truck on 55th Street and 3rd Avenue before fleeing on foot, police added.
The incident resulted in extensive damage to multiple cars and a city bus.
Video footage shared on social media shows the man confronting the tow truck driver and later driving the truck down the street while sideswiping several cars. The footage ends with the truck coming to a stop in front of a city bus.
The man’s identity has not yet been released, but drivers who witnessed the aftermath are bewildered by the events. Giro, the owner of one of the heavily damaged vehicles, told News12, “I need to call insurance or police. I need this car to take my daughter to school.” He expressed concern over the high cost of repairs and hopes the police will apprehend the suspect. “He could have hurt someone really badly,” Giro added.
Authorities are conducting an active search for the suspect.