A cop involved in a police pursuit veered into oncoming traffic on a Manhattan bridge and struck and killed a dirt bike rider, recently released body camera footage of the 2023 crash reveals.
Samuel Williams, 36, was recklessly riding an unregistered dirt bike in Manhattan when he entered the University Heights Bridge heading toward the Bronx on May 28, 2023, according to police.
That’s when an officer heading in the other direction — who was pursuing raging dirt bikers in the area — suddenly veers over the double yellow line into Williams’ path, causing him to slam into the police cruiser and fly into the air, according to body cam video released by New York Attorney General Letitia James ‘ office on Friday.
An NYPD spokesperson would not provide any details on the incident, citing pending litigation.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said Williams was driving recklessly when police attempted to stop him.
“These police officers were doing the job they were sent out to do, trying to stop unregistered mopeds from being driven recklessly on the city’s streets,” Hendry said. “This is a tragic case, but the investigation needs to look at all of the facts and circumstances.”