Roommates, a deadly crash in Upper Manhattan has left a community shaken after what started as an ordinary Friday evening ended in tragedy, with police now revealing new details about what allegedly led up to the chaotic scene involving Elvin Suarez.
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Suarez Charged After Deadly Upper Manhattan Crash
According to authorities and law enforcement sources, Elvin Suarez of Morningside Heights has been charged with multiple counts of manslaughter, vehicular assault, and driving while intoxicated after a crash that killed two people and left three others critically injured. Police say Suarez’s breathalyzer test came back at .10 — above the legal limit — after he lost control of his vehicle near Amsterdam Avenue and West 109th Street around 6 p.m., just blocks from his home.
NYC Sidewalk Crash Claims Lives Of Two Men
Investigators say the crash began when Suarez allegedly sideswiped another vehicle before his car careened onto the sidewalk, triggering a chain reaction involving seven vehicles. The out-of-control Mercedes ultimately struck a group of people sitting outside a local barbershop, fatally injuring 35-year-old father of triplets Michael Saint-Hilaire and 46-year-old doorman Jason Negron. Emergency responders rushed both men to the hospital in critical condition, but they later died from their injuries. Furthermore, investigators shut down part of Amsterdam Avenue Friday evening as they processed the scene and crews cleared damaged vehicles from the roadway.
Investigators Share More Details On What Happened
Emergency responders also transported three more men, ages 36, 44, and 51, to St. Luke’s Hospital in critical condition. Witnesses described the aftermath as devastating, with one onlooker calling it a “horror show” and saying the vehicle pinned and injured one victim against a parking structure. Another witness said the driver appeared to be lifelong friends with some of the victims, adding an emotional layer to an already tragic scene as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the crash or said whether investigators believe speed played a role. Lastly, officials have not disclosed whether Suarez has hired an attorney.
