The Associated Press
NEW YORK–A Times Square motorist accused of steering his car onto one of the busiest sidewalks in the U.S. and mowing down pedestrians has been charged with murder and 20 counts of attempted murder, police say.
The New York Police Department said 26-year-old Richard Rojas, of the Bronx, also was charged late yesterday with five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide.
Rojas was arrested yesterday afternoon after he drove his car for three blocks in Times Square, hitting nearly two dozen people before steel security barriers finally stopped him.
An 18-year-old tourist from Michigan was killed.
Her 13-year-old sister was among the 22 injured, four of them critically.
Rojas was to be arraigned today. It wasn’t clear if he a lawyer.
Officials say he had served in the U.S. Navy but was discharged following disciplinary problems.
After his arrest, Rojas told police he was “hearing voices” and expected to die, two law enforcement officials said.
After the wreck, he emerged from his vehicle running, yelling, and jumping before being subdued by police and bystanders in a chaotic scene.
“He began screaming, no particular words but just utter screaming,” said Ken Bradix, a security supervisor at a nearby Planet Hollywood restaurant who tackled Rojas.
“He was swinging his arms at the same time.”
Rojas initially tested negative for alcohol but more detailed drug tests were pending, according to two law enforcement officials who were not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Rojas’ motivation was unclear, but Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio said there was “no indication that this was an act of terrorism.”
Police identified the woman killed by the car as Alyssa Elsman of Portage, Mich.
She graduated last year from Portage Central High School.
“If you didn’t know her, you might think she’s reserved or shy,” school principal Eric Alburtus said.
“But if you could talk to her for a minute, you’d realize she was engaging,” he added.
“She was bright. She was funny.”
