[Updated] Wrong-way chase ends in crash, arrest on 3rd Street

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

A high-speed police pursuit ended in a dramatic crash and arrest on Third Street late yesterday afternoon, after a vehicle turned the wrong way off of Avenue C and was rammed by pursuing officers. 

Multiple witnesses described seeing law enforcement, including state police serving as backup, quickly apprehend at least one suspect. Two men were believed to be in the vehicle.

According to law enforcement officials, the NYPD's Narcotics Unit made the arrest. The suspect, a 39-year-old male, was said to be well-known to the Narco Unit and had several prior arrests for possession of drugs. Police sources said the suspect had a loaded firearm and unspecified drugs at the time of the arrest.

Despite initial reports of gunfire, officers at the scene told bystanders that no shots were fired. However, a weapon was recovered, and one suspect was taken into custody. 

The suspect's vehicle collided with another car belonging to a physician from the RYAN/NENA health center between Avenue C and Avenue D. 

The doctor was not inside at the time. "I spoke to the police, I was not in the car when it happened," he said.

The incident occurred outside Loisaida Drugs and Surgical at 273 E. Third St., just east of Avenue C. A pharmacist, who declined to give his name, said he came outside after hearing the crash. 

"I saw the police and the driver putting his hands up. They cuffed him," he said. "The passenger had a gun — I could see the gun. I did not see them arrest the passenger, only the driver." 

Abdel ElKallini (below), a clerk at the pharmacy, said he witnessed the scene as well.

"It was a brownish-tan gun. Law enforcement arrested the driver and put the gun on the hood of the car. I took a picture of the guy, and he flipped me off. He was a big guy." 

His manager called him a hero for relaying what he saw to law enforcement. 

One bystander described seeing officers "T-bone the guy" after a chase down Third Street, noting that police removed a duffle bag from the vehicle's trunk after the arrest. 

At least one other vehicle at the scene sustained a broken window, though it's unclear how it happened. Photos show law enforcement conducting a fingerprinting procedure using Cyanoacrylate (superglue) solution.

A pedestrian sustained minor injuries during the chase and was taken to the hospital. She is expected to recover. 

It was not immediately clear where the chase started.

This is a developing story, and authorities are expected to release more details soon. Some elements of the account may be updated as new information becomes available.