Bicyclist hit on 125 Street, Harlem

WHAT

A speeding unmarked police vehicle driving in the wrong lane on 125 Street in Harlem hit a man on a bicycle and then continued driving.  The black police sedan appeared to be chasing a man on foot running west on 125 Street toward Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard around noon on April 22, witnesses said.  Employees of nearby businesses rushed to the aid of the fallen cyclist, who laid grimacing in pain in the east bound lane of 125 Street next to his mangled bicycle.  The bicyclist sustained leg injuries, according to witnesses.  The bicyclist was described as a black man age 30 or older.

Within minutes of the bike strike, dozens of police lights lit up the intersection.  Police radio activity indicated multiple police units were involved in the pursuit of the running suspect, who was apprehended around the corner from the hit and run in front of Greater Refuge Temple Church at 7th Avenue and 124 Street.  At least a pair of officers waited with the bicyclist for an ambulance to arrive, but the unmarked vehicle involved in the accident did not return.  Both the NYPD’s 32nd Precinct in Harlem and NYPD Headquarters declined comment on the operation and the incident.  The current status of the bicyclist remains unknown.

WHERE

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WITNESSES

Terry Sweeny, 28, was offering free pedi-cab rides for Earth Day on 125th Street directly across the street from where the accident occurred.

Terry Sweeny from Emily Feldman on Vimeo.

The hit and run took place in front of Dr. Jay’s clothing store on 125 Street.  Andre Holman, 42, a security guard there, watched the accident through the store window.

Andre Holman from Emily Feldman on Vimeo.

Jack Bicough, 23, from Astoria Queens, was a bystander at the scene.

Jack Bicough from Tracy Chimming on Vimeo.

Alassane Yanoga 33, sells clothes on the street in Harlem everyday. Police officers ran past his table.

Alassane Yanoga from Tracy Chimming on Vimeo.