A teenager allegedly punched an officer on Sunday, leading to a chase across a rooftop by NYPD officers, according to video released by authorities.
In New York, 19-year-old Keir Richardson, driving a white sedan that was believed to be stolen, crashed into a police officer, sparking a dangerous chase that saw the NYPD pursue him through rooftops. video The incident, captured on NYPD body camera footage, began around 5 p.m. Sunday when NYPD officers attempted to arrest Richardson after determining the vehicle was stolen. According to In the New York Post.
Community Response Team officers risk their lives every day to reduce crime in New York City. During a stolen car arrest, this dangerous criminal attempted to endanger the lives of not only officers, but also civilians. When officers attempted to extricate him from the car… pic.twitter.com/rWYCCvLsfF
— NYPD Deputy Chief of Operations, Kaz Daughtry (@NYPDDaughtry) August 19, 2024
Body camera footage shows officers ordering Richardson to stop. When Richardson pulls his sedan onto the sidewalk, narrowly avoiding pedestrians, one of the officers draws his gun. The situation quickly escalates as Richardson accelerates, pinning the officer between the sedan and a parked car and fleeing the scene. (RELATED: Police body camera captures frantic 12-year-old son pleading for help to save mother)
Richardson's getaway attempt didn't end there. According to NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry, Richardson drove for several blocks, crashing into multiple vehicles, before abandoning his car and pursuing police on foot. The chase continued through various obstacles, including up the 7 train line, through streets, up ladders, and across rooftops.
A New York Police Department (NYPD) officer sits on a subway car in New York City on August 11, 2024. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
The pursuit culminated when Richardson, trapped on a second-floor rooftop, was ordered to lie down by pursuing officers. He maintained his innocence, but was arrested with the assistance of the NYPD's Aviation Unit and Emergency Services Unit (ESU).
Richardson faces nearly 10 charges, including attempted murder and vehicular assault. This is his first arrest, according to police records, according to the New York Post. The injured officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital.
