Suspected drunk driver kills 3 people in Manhattan on July 4, NYPD says

Erin Pflaumer and Kala Rama

17 minutes ago

LOWER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) — At least three people were killed and seven others injured after a suspected drunk driver plowed into a busy Lower East Side sidewalk on July 4, according to the NYPD.

The incident happened around 8:45 p.m. at a park near Water and Jackson streets, where at least 200 people were barbecuing to celebrate the holiday. A gray Ford F-150 drove through an intersection, ran a stop sign, jumped the curb and headed toward the park, authorities said.

Several people were trapped under the truck. Witnesses who saw what happened restrained the driver while police rushed to the scene, according to the NYPD.

The driver, a 44-year-old man, reportedly smelled of alcohol, authorities said. A mother and child were struck in the incident, police said.

Charges have been filed against the driver. Police do not suspect terrorism.

Police have not released the identities of the victims.