Elvin Suarez was charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated
Credit: Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
- Two fathers were killed and three other people were injured after a drunk driver allegedly struck pedestrians on a New York City sidewalk on Friday, May 15
- The deceased victims were identified as 46-year-old Jason Negron and 35-year-old Michael Saint-Hilaire
- 61-year-old Elvin Suarez was charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and DWI, per multiple outlets
Two people have died and three others were injured after a car struck them on a sidewalk in New York City.
On Friday, May 15, 61-year-old driver Elvin Suarez allegedly collided with a parked vehicle, which then initiated a chain collision with other vehicles before Suarez's Mercedes SUV slammed into multiple pedestrians, according to ABC7.
The suspect was allegedly under the influence when the incident took place on Amsterdam Avenue near 109th Street on Manhattan's Upper West Side at around 6:00 p.m., CBS News reported.
While three men aged between 36 and 52 were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, the deceased victims were identified as 46-year-old Jason Negron and 35-year-old Michael Saint-Hilaire, per CBS News and NBC New York.
Residents told NBC New York that the group of men had been sitting outside a barbershop on folded chairs when the vehicle drove into them.
Credit: Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock
Meanwhile, footage showcased three people standing behind a van before the SUV collided with it, per NBC New York. A witness then claimed that one man became trapped underneath the vehicle, while a second was bleeding.
People were also captured on camera trying to lift a vehicle so a person could be rescued from underneath it, per ABC7.
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"He was just swerving, driving really fast, and then he drove up over the median," witness Eva Santiago told CBS News. "We saw the car go up in the air and come down and land on everybody."
The driver appeared confused as he exited his vehicle, one witness told the outlet.
Retired EMT Janice Diaz recalled seeing three bodies on the ground before carrying out CPR on one man who was unconscious and bleeding, per CBS News.
"I am just yelling, 'Back up, back up! I'm an EMT, I'm trying to help! Someone help me to hold his head and call 911!'" she said.
Diaz said the victims were hanging out with friends before the incident took place, adding, "These are all people from our neighborhood."
Authorities also told CBS News that the incident did not seem to be intentional, adding that they were still investigating.
Credit: Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock
Suarez's charges include manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated, per ABC7 and NBC New York.
Motorists should expect delays in the area with NYPD writing on X on Friday, “ Due to a collision investigation, expect heavy traffic and emergency vehicle presence in the vicinity of West 109 Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan.Expect delays and avoid the area if possible.”
Two GoFundMe pages have also been set up for the loved ones of Negron and Saint-Hilaire.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic news of the passing of our beloved doorman, Jason Negron,” the description for Negron, organized by David Mitnick, read, adding that he “and a friend tragically lost their lives in the accident.”
“Jason had been a dedicated member of the 545 community since the building opened on October 20, 2006,” the tribute continued.
The statement added, “More than a doorman, Jason was a friend to so many and an important part of our building family. He was also an important part of our community – he lived just a few blocks from the building where he worked and was a beloved member of his local community.”
According to the page, Negron is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Meanwhile, a page, organized by Modesto Gonzalez, said Saint-Hilaire “was a wonderful father, friend, and brother.”
“Michael was the kind of person who would always lend a hand or offer a smile to anyone in need,” the description continued. “He touched so many lives with his kindness, generosity, and positive spirit. Losing him so suddenly has been devastating for everyone who cared about him, especially his children, who now face an uncertain future without their dad.”
He leaves behind three young children.
PEOPLE has reached out to the NYPD and GoFundMe for comment, but didn't immediately receive responses.
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