(NewsNation) — The driver who allegedly hit several pedestrians, including a Hollywood actor, in Midtown on New Year’s Day was indicted earlier this week by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Mohamed Alaouie, 44, of Fort Lee, New Jersey, was charged in a New York Supreme Court indictment with Assault in the First Degree, Aggravated Vehicular Assault, Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, among other charges.
“This defendant allegedly careened through packed sidewalks and streets during the busiest time of the year in midtown. His recklessness endangered the lives of countless New Yorkers and visitors who were ringing in the New Year,” Bragg said. “I hope the victims can fully recover from their injuries and thank the police officers who were on the scene to apprehend this individual.”
During his arraignment early last month, Alaouie was charged with assault, DWI, reckless driving and criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to court records.
At the time of the incident, New York City Police officers allegedly witnessed Alaouie’s hand around the neck of the woman sitting in the passenger seat of his car. When an officer asked the driver to roll down his window and put the car in park, he allegedly said, “F— that s—,” according to the criminal complaint.
Alaouie then allegedly put the car in reverse and drove down the sidewalk. During the chase, Alaouie allegedly drove the wrong way on several streets and hit a food cart that fell on two people.
“Black Panther” actor Carrie Bernans was pinned under the food truck and suffered broken bones, fractures and chipped teeth, her family said.
Alaouie kept going and was weaving in and out of Midtown traffic before the woman in his car jumped out, according to the complaint. The suspect continued driving and hit the awning at Chirp restaurant before reversing and hitting two cars in a parking lot, prosecutors said.
Alaouie then allegedly drove toward two police officers who jumped out of the way before he struck an occupied vehicle, which ricocheted into one of the cops, according to court records. The cop suffered bruising and pain. The two people in the car had neck and back injuries, officials said.
Cops then surrounded the driver and ordered him to get out of the car. Alaouie responded by allegedly giving them the middle finger and flooring the gas pedal, prosecutors said. The Mercedes didn’t move and officers took Alaouie out of the car and arrested him.
Police say they found 19 glassines of cocaine and $540 on Alaouie.
NewsNation affiliate PIX11 contributed to this report.
