Who Was Really Chasing? Cyclist Injured in Washington Heights Hit-and-Run as NYPD Officers Seen on Scene

By the NYC Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf

A 29-year-old female cyclist was injured in a hit-and-run crash on Sunday afternoon at the intersection of West 181st Street and Cabrini Boulevard in Washington Heights—an area residents say is notorious for reckless driving and repeated collisions.

Surveillance footage captured the white Mercedes-Benz making a dangerous U-turn before striking the cyclist. The driver fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle several blocks away and escaping on foot.

The video below also shows a black, unmarked vehicle pulling up immediately behind the Mercedes. Two uniformed NYPD officers emerge, briefly check on the injured cyclist, and then drive off. Despite this, the NYPD claims the officers were not pursuing the Mercedes.

As attorneys who have represented victims of both police pursuit crashes and bicycle collisions across Brooklyn and New York City, we know how often official statements fall short of the truth. In past cases, we’ve uncovered evidence that contradicted NYPD narratives, including surveillance video, GPS data, and witness testimony. This incident deserves the same level of scrutiny.

We Represent Victims of Bicycle Crashes and NYPD Police Pursuits in Manhattan and Beyond

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our trial lawyers are nationally recognized for holding negligent drivers—and government agencies—accountable. If you or a loved one was injured in a hit-and-run, or if your crash involved law enforcement vehicles or potential police misconduct, we have the experience, resources, and determination to uncover what really happened.

We’re currently investigating multiple cases involving  victims struck during or after NYPD pursuits. These cases are complex and often involve the city’s attempt to deny liability. But the video from Washington Heights raises serious questions that can’t be ignored.

Contact Us

If you were injured in Manhattan, or anywhere in NYC, or if you suspect your accident was related to a police chase, contact us at 212-943-1090 for a free, confidential consultation.