Crime in New York City: Minor car crash escalates into deadly altercation between two drivers on Upper East Side

Manhattan, Upper East Side (WABC) — A possible road assault between two drivers on the Upper East Side on Wednesday afternoon led to a fatal crash, police said.

The incident began shortly after 4:00 p.m. in front of 119 East 60th Street with a minor traffic accident between a large Chevrolet pickup truck and a Volkswagen Jetta.

Police said the 54-year-old pickup truck driver fled with a knife and cut two of the Jetta’s left tires.

As the driver walked around the car, the 26-year-old man driving the Jetta stepped on the accelerator for unknown reasons and collided with the 54-year-old man.

He was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Related: Eyewitness News tracks crime and safety in New York City and neighborhoods

At the time of the incident, the Jetta was carrying a 26-year-old man, a woman, and three children aged about five. It is unknown if they were family.

The Jetta driver remained at the scene and was taken into police custody for questioning.

The 26-year-old has been arrested nine times in the past, all but two of which he has been sealed. He claims self-defence.

The district attorney’s office is already involved and will decide whether the driver will be prosecuted.

The 54-year-old man who was killed had no previous arrest record.

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