Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced today the indictment of BENJAMIN ABRAMS, 56, for a car chase through Midtown that injured two police officers, caused a collision with multiple vehicles and destroyed an outdoor dining structure. Over 37 grams of methamphetamine were also recovered from his vehicle pursuant to a search warrant. ABRAMS is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree; one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree; four counts of Assault in the Second Degree; one count of Burglary in the Second Degree; and two counts of Attempted Assault in the First Degree. [1]
“This driver allegedly engaged in an incredibly reckless and dangerous car chase that injured two NYPD officers. Many other lives were put at risk as he wove through streets and sidewalks, and even drove right through an outdoor dining structure. I wish the officers injured a full and speedy recovery,” said District Attorney Bragg.
According to court documents and statements made on the record, on April 19, 2023, police officers pulled ABRAMS over for a traffic stop after observing him weaving in and out of traffic with a temporary license tag with writing on top of the expiration date. ABRAMS provided a fraudulent North Carolina driver’s license, refused to step out of the car and fled.
ABRAMS then led officers on a pursuit throughout Midtown South, driving the wrong way into oncoming traffic and onto sidewalks. To evade traffic on East 30th Street between Park and Madison Avenues, he repeatedly rammed his car into a vehicle in front of him and behind him. He then accelerated his vehicle, reversed, and drove his car into two police officers, causing them to fly backwards. One officer was concussed, needed stiches on his head, and was bruised and swollen. Both officers were treated at the hospital for their injuries.
ABRAMS then plowed through an outdoor dining area, causing pedestrians to jump out of the way and sending debris flying into the air.
ABRAMS eventually exited his car and broke into a homeless shelter, where he took employee clothing to disguise himself as a worker and hid for several hours. He was eventually arrested on May 6, 2023.
Assistant D.A. Lauren Hatz is handling the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Robert Ferrari (Chief of Trial Bureau 40) and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Digital Evidence Analyst Mollie Somers is assisting with the prosecution.
D.A. Bragg thanked members of the NYPD, particularly Midtown South and the 17th Precinct, for their extraordinary efforts in this case.
Defendant Information:
BENJAMIN ABRAMS
New York, New York
Charged:
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a class A-II felony, one count
- Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, two counts
- Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree, a class D felony, one count
- Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony, one count
- Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony, two counts
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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.