Bronx Family Demands Justice After Teen Arrested Post Drive-By Shooting Crash
ALLERTON, Bronx (WABC) – A Bronx family is speaking out after their 18-year-old son was arrested while hospitalized, following a deadly drive-by shooting and crash in Allerton.
The teen was behind the wheel of his father’s minivan when a speeding Honda Accord—fleeing the scene of a fatal shooting—crashed into his vehicle. The impact sent him to the hospital. But instead of just receiving care, police showed up and placed him under arrest.
According to the teen’s father, police initially thanked his son for stepping on the brakes and blocking the gunman’s path, potentially saving lives. However, officers later returned to the hospital room, accused him of being involved, and arrested him.
Cellphone video captured by the family shows officers forcing them out of St. Barnabas Hospital during the arrest.
“The officer looked my son in the eye and said, ‘You know what you did,’” the father told Eyewitness News. “He was just driving home. He’s an innocent victim.”
Authorities allege the teen was found in possession of an ammunition clip containing two bullets that matched those used in the drive-by shooting. The clip was reportedly found on the dashboard of the minivan.
His family insists the clip likely flew into the car from the gunmen’s vehicle during the collision, and their son had no knowledge of it. “He didn’t touch it. He didn’t even know it was there,” the father said.
Surveillance footage shows one of the gunmen hanging out the window of the Honda, exchanging fire with police before being thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Weapons, bullets, and shell casings were later recovered from the scene.
The teen, who has no criminal record and recently graduated from Bronx Design with a plumbing endorsement, had been preparing to start his trade career. Now, he faces criminal charges and has not yet been arraigned.
The Bronx District Attorney’s Office says the investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the teen remains in custody, and his family fears for his safety.
“Any minute in there is too long,” his father said.
